2020 NEC 230.70

[darkenergy]

Background: Someone* is 'Insisting' that an external, (230.85 was mentioned) disconnect be provided for a 208Y/!20 3ph...600A... i seem to recall.

NOT relevant, IMHO, 230.85 does not apply. Main Breaker/Panel, nipple fed from exterior CT cabinet other side of exterior wall. "Nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors".

Do not believe "In Sight from (within Sight From, Within Sight)...15m (50 ft.) ...'nuther Art. 100 definition... applies, but an exterior door is less than 42' away


" Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible)"; Definition #3; chapter 1 definition.

Locked exterior door, 24/7. Thinking a Emergency Key Box - Knox Rapid Access System would meet the intent.
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Someone* also said: "(the service is new service and not existing, and the service is not coming to the building on the left or right, but centralized on the back wall)." AND "I couldn’t find any prohibitions of the REQUIREMENT under NFPA 1 to provide a disconnect."

All copy/paste below presented from NFPA Link, Think blue hyperlinks will work?, probably some kinda 'violation' as well!

Even a remote e-stop/shunt-trip/whateva is going to cost $$$

ANY opinion(s)/Code References much appreciated



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Part VI. Service Equipment — Disconnecting Means

230.70 General.


Means shall be provided to disconnect all ungrounded conductors in a building or other structure from the service conductors.


(A) Location.

The service disconnecting means shall be instal⁠led in accordance with 230.70(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).


(1) Readily Accessible Location.

The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.

ENHANCED CONTENT

No maximum distance between the point of entrance of service conductors to a readily accessible location for the installation of a service disconnecting means is specified. The authority enforcing the NEC is responsible for the decision on how far inside the building the service-entrance conductors are allowed to travel to the service disconnecting means. The length of service-entrance conductors should be kept to a minimum inside buildings. There is an increased fire hazard because power utilities provide limited overcurrent protection. Some local jurisdictions specify a maximum length that service-entrance conductors may be run within the building before terminating at the disconnecting means.


If the AHJ determines the distance to be excessive, the disconnecting means may be required to be located on the outside of the building or near the building at a readily accessible location.
(2) Bathrooms.
Service disconnecting means shall not be installed in bathrooms.
(3) Remote Control.

Where a remote control device(s) is used to actuate the service disconnecting means, the service disconnecting means shall be located in accordance with 230.70(A)(1).

(B) Marking.

Each service disconnect shall be permanently marked to identify it as a service disconnect.

(C) Suitable for Use.

Each service disconnecting means shall be suitable for the prevailing conditions. Service equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations shall comply with the hazardous location requirements.

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NFPA 1

11.1.7 Building Disconnect.

11.1.7.1*

Means shall be provided for the fire department to disconnect the electrical service to a building, structure, or facility when the electrical installation is covered under the scope of NFPA 70.


11.1.7.2

The disconnecting means shall be maintained accessible to the fire department.

11.1.7.3 Identification of Disconnecting Means.

11.1.7.3.1
Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. In other than one- or two-family dwellings, the marking shall include the identification and location of the circuit source that supplies the disconnecting means unless located and arranged so the identification and location of the circuit source is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. [70:110.22(A)]

NFPA 1 — FIRE CODE (2024)
A.11.1.7.1
Section 230.70 of NFPA 70 (NEC), includes requirements for the location and marking of service disconnect means. NFPA 70 applies to most public and private buildings, structures, yards, parking lots, and similar installations. It does not apply to certain electrical installations under the exclusive control of communications utilities or electric utilities, and other specific installations. (See NFPA 70, 90.2.) Multiple service disconnect means could be provided as allowed by NFPA 70.
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Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).

Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth. (CMP-1)


Informational Note: Use of keys is a common practice under controlled or supervised conditions and a common alternative to the ready access requirements under such supervised conditions as provided elsewhere in the NEC.


ENHANCED CONTENT

Locks are commonly used on electrical equipment and electrical equipment rooms to keep unauthorized persons away from electrical hazards and to prevent tampering. The definition of readily accessible does not preclude the use of locks on service equipment doors or doors of rooms containing service equipment, provided a key or lock combination is available to those for whom ready access is necessary. If a tool is necessary to gain access, the equipment is not readily accessible.


Sections 230.70(A)(1) and 230.205(A) require service disconnecting means to be readily accessible. However, 230.205(A) permits a mechanical linkage or an electronically actuated switch to provide an equivalent to access.

Your thought, references, Time greatly appreciated!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

....

ENHANCED CONTENT

No maximum distance between the point of entrance of service conductors to a readily accessible location for the installation of a service disconnecting means is specified. The authority enforcing the NEC is responsible for the decision on how far inside the building the service-entrance conductors are allowed to travel to the service disconnecting means. The length of service-entrance conductors should be kept to a minimum inside buildings. There is an increased fire hazard because power utilities provide limited overcurrent protection. Some local jurisdictions specify a maximum length that service-entrance conductors may be run within the building before terminating at the disconnecting means.


...

I read the words "nearest the point of entry" as meaning exactly what they say. That is the service conductors enter the building and go directly into the service equipment, or go directly up or down into the service equipment.
However the language is very subjective and because of that, our local amendment to the NEC, permits 10 feet of service conductor between the point of entry ans the termination on the service disconnect. Another amendment only permits service conductors to be installed in IMC or RMC.

 

[letgomywago]

I read the words "nearest the point of entry" as meaning exactly what they say. That is the service conductors enter the building and go directly into the service equipment, or go directly up or down into the service equipment.
However the language is very subjective and because of that, our local amendment to the NEC, permits 10 feet of service conductor between the point of entry ans the termination on the service disconnect. Another amendment only permits service conductors to be installed in IMC or RMC.

I can understand running through a single partial stud bay if it would permit a panel space in the next one so there's also that. I have done that quite a bit since the first bay is often under 14 inches when it runs into the exterior wall

 

[darkenergy]

Thanks for the replies, I was not clear, as usual.

Fire Marshal insisting NFPA 1, A.11.1.7.1 , quoted above, MANDATES an external disconnect, like 1 & 2 family dwellings.

He also said: "the service is new service and not existing, and the service is not coming to the building on the left or right, but centralized on the back wall)." and "I couldn’t find any prohibitions of the REQUIREMENT under NFPA 1 to provide a disconnect."

Also from NFPA 1

11.1.7.2​

The disconnecting means shall be maintained accessible to the fire department.

In Anyone's opinion, If a Knox box is provided, and the door is < 42' away, Panel is on same exterior wall at the point of conductor entry, etc. is an exterior disconnect required?

Not trying to be cute/obstinate, but we are 3rd party for the power company(s). Not fire marshals.

Think he is reading it like panel feed comes underground to Interior middle of the bldg.

Just asking for opinions, Thanks Again.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Thanks for the replies, I was not clear, as usual.

Fire Marshal insisting NFPA 1, A.11.1.7.1 , quoted above, MANDATES an external disconnect, like 1 & 2 family dwellings.

...

Just like the NEC, nothing in an Annex is enforceable, and that annex simply refers you to the requirements of the NEC.

Annex A — Explanatory Material
Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only. This annex contains explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs.

A.11.1.7.1
Section 230.70 of NFPA 70 (NEC), includes requirements for the location and marking of service disconnect means. NFPA 70 applies to most public and private buildings, structures, yards, parking lots, and similar installations. It does not apply to certain electrical installations under the exclusive control of communications utilities or electric utilities, and other specific installations. (See NFPA 70, 90.2.) Multiple service disconnect means could be provided as allowed by NFPA 70.

Without a local legally adopted amendment, the Fire Marshal is way off base with this.

 

[letgomywago]

Just like the NEC, nothing in an Annex is enforceable, and that annex simply refers you to the requirements of the NEC.


Without a local legally adopted amendment, the Fire Marshal is way off base with this.

Some places give them almost insane amounts of authority in these matters though. There was one marshal who forced the outside disconnect for decades without an amendment before the NEC adopted it near where i grew up.

 

[darkenergy]

My Apologies, Gentlemen.

Delayed Thank You! for Your thoughts.

Crazy times, Indeed.

i will let You know how this shakes out, real can of worms.