What are services conducted between the street and the first point of connection to the service entrance run underground called?

The term "service lateral" refers to the underground conductors that run between the street or utility’s distribution system and the first point of connection to a building's service entrance. This designation is important because it specifically describes the part of the electrical service that supplies power from the utility company to the customer's premises.

Understanding this term is crucial for electrical work, as it outlines the responsibilities of the utility provider and the property owner. In many codes and standards, the service lateral must meet specific installation and safety practices to ensure reliability and safety.

While other terms like "service drop" and "utility connection" may be related to electrical service, they are specific to overhead systems or general connection processes, and do not accurately describe the underground aspect of the service lateral. "Underground service" is a broader term that could involve various configurations and types of setups, but lacks the precision and legal implications of referring to it as a service lateral.