Service entrance cables shall be supported by straps or other approved means within how many feet of every service head, gooseneck, or connection to a raceway or enclosure?

• A. 3 ft
• B. 18 inches
• C. 1 ft
• D. 2 ft

Answer: (C)

The key rule here is that service entrance conductors must be secured very close to where they terminate at the service equipment. Placing a strap or other approved support within 12 inches (one foot) of the service head, gooseneck, or the point where the cable enters a raceway or enclosure minimizes strain on the termination and prevents movement from causing looseness, damage, or fire hazards. This close initial support acts as a strain relief right at the entry point, so the rest of the run can be supported further along at recommended intervals without risking the connection. Distances like 18 inches, 2 feet, or 3 feet do not meet this requirement because they leave too much slack near the termination, increasing the chance of movement stressing the connection. Therefore, the correct distance is within one foot of the entry point.