The mains is the cable responsible for your connection to the grid.
The mains cable consists of a large sized cable coming from a road pillar or transformer to your property.
The mains will typically come via a meter box into a main switch and electrical meter before feeding other fuses in your main switchboard.
Mains must be inspected because it is high risk work (Electrical Safety Regulations 2010 – section 6A) before being livened.
Mains are sized to reduce voltage drop. This means that the cable may be made from aluminum rather than a copper to minimize cost.
Mains represents a demarcation point between what your electrician is responsible for (everything on your property) and what your lines company is responsible for (power lines, pillars and transformers). Mains will also contain the main neutral.
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