What purpose does the service panel serve in a building's electrical system?

The service panel plays a crucial role in a building's electrical system by distributing power to various circuits. It acts as the central hub where electricity from the utility company enters the building and is split into different circuits that supply power to various areas, appliances, and devices within the structure.

Within the service panel, circuit breakers or fuses are installed to protect each circuit, ensuring that if there is an overload or short circuit, power is cut off to that particular circuit to prevent hazards such as electrical fires. This distribution capability is vital for the efficient and safe functioning of the building's electrical system, allowing for flexible use of electrical energy across multiple parts of the building.

The other choices do not pertain to the function of the service panel, as they relate to different systems within a building—water supply management, air flow control, and wiring insulation involve entirely distinct components and mechanisms not associated with the electrical distribution managed by the service panel.