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Service and Grounding Equipment, Main Overcurrent Device, Main and Distribution Panels
The service and grounding equipment provide a back-up grounding mechanism should there be a surge or malfunction with the electrical system. The main over-current device (aka, main service disconnect) is the breaker that turns off all electrical power to the house. It is usually found in the main electrical panel, the site where power enters the house and is divided into individual circuits. The distribution panel (aka, "main circuit breaker" or "fuse panel") contains the individual breakers or fuses that connect to each circuit.
Inspecting all of the electrical equipment in a home is important because of the potential for electrical fires and electrocution from faulty wiring. The inspector will check to make sure all equipment is installed and working properly and that the circuits and fuses are correctly labeled.