Service Panel / Load Center

Related terms

• Sewer Ejector / Grinder Pump

  A pump moving waste up from below-sewer-level fixtures (basement bath) to the building drain. Required when adding a basement bathroom.

• Service Entrance

  Where utility power enters the home — drop/lateral, meter, and main disconnect. Upgrading it is often the gating cost when adding major l…

• Short Cycling

  Equipment turning on and off too frequently — usually from oversizing or airflow problems — causing wear, poor comfort, and high bills.

• SEER2

  The current seasonal cooling-efficiency rating for AC and heat pumps (replaced SEER in 2023). Higher SEER2 means lower cooling energy use.

• Shutoff / Stop Valve

  The local valve at each fixture allowing isolated repair without shutting the whole house. Adding/replacing them is standard during remod…

• Sediment Trap / Drip Leg

  A short capped pipe at a gas appliance that catches debris/condensate before it reaches the valve. Code-required and a common inspection…

• Slope / Fall

  Drain pipe must pitch about 1/4 in. per foot — too little won't clear solids, too much drains liquid off solids. A frequent DIY error.

• Romex / NM Cable

  Non-metallic sheathed cable, the common residential branch wiring. Gauge must match the breaker (14 AWG/15A, 12 AWG/20A).