Article 230.85 requiring an emergency disconnect

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dwsmith

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Pleasant prairie wisconsin
Code update class we were told that we would be required to replace the 3 wire stove and dryer wire and receptacle to a 4 wire system. Is this true? Electrically of course it makes sense but is it enforceable?
 
No. Normally, once premise wiring is installed, its "grandfathered" and exempt from having to replace or modify due to later code changes.
And the requirement to stop using the neutral to bond the frame of a range or dryer was in the 1996 NEC. Since this was almost 20 years ago, what was the context in your class.
Thanks for asking and its always good to question.
 
tom baker said:
No. Normally, once premise wiring is installed, its "grandfathered" and exempt from having to replace or modify due to later code changes.
And the requirement to stop using the neutral to bond the frame of a range or dryer was in the 1996 NEC. Since this was almost 20 years ago, what was the context in your class.
Thanks for asking and its always good to question.
Click to expand...
We were discussing the separation of neutrals and grounds in the main panel after installation of the emergency switch. The instructor teaches inspectors here in massachusetts code updates as well. This class was presented to our company electricians, a solar installation company. We do alot of service upgrades and especially interested in this because having to change out these circuits can be very expensive. It was made clear that this would be requires. Wondering if there is an article that covers this or if it would be up to the inspector having jurisdiction
 
If the outside disconnect is the new service you would have to run a new 4 wire circuit.

240.140 Exception ….if all the following conditions are met.
(3) The grounded conductor is insulated, or the grounded conductor is uninsulated and part of a Type SE service-entrance cable and the branch circuit originates at the service equipment.
 
Ok I was going to ask what a dryer outlet has to do with the topic of Article 230.85 requiring an emergency disconnect
And the outside disconnect does not have to be a service point. There has been a lot of discussion (gnashing and wailing is the technical term) of this issue and its not sorted out yet.
I would look for a mfg to make a meter base with a built in disconnect.
 
I think if Milbank (or any mfg.) submits to UL for a modification in the listing of their meter/main assembly to change the listing from "Suitable For Use ONLY As Service Equipment" to "Suitable For Use As Service Equipment" and "Suitable For Use As Emergency Disconnect" the whole confusion on this issue would be settled. There is no need to develop a new piece of equipment. Just include both labels and mark the equipment according to its use.

Then the same piece of equipment could be used for 230.85(1) as Emergency Disconnect-Service Disconnect...or 230.85(3) Emergency Disconnect-Not Service Equipment. This would solve the ED issues some are having.

dwsmith---I agree with what you were told in the update in that if you change the service to a 230.85(1) arrangement the existing 3-wire dryer and range branch circuits become a violation of the Code because they no longer originate at "service equipment" per 250.140 ex.(3)...this has been an issue for generator installs where the transfer switch is put ahead of the existing main panel...so it is not new territory as far as replacing 3-wire branch circuits.
 
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