Ever since the 2020 code update I have always done residentrial services upgrades as followed.
- SEU from underground or from a service drop in the meter.
- From the meter's load side SEU leaves and enters a 200Amp disconnect like these
.
- Then it converts to SER to the panel inside the house
- All grounds from the GEC are ran to the disconnect and bonded together with the grounded neutral conductors.
- All grounds and neutrals are separated for the inside panel.
Now Ive seen that you can use SEU for the entire install so,
- SEU to meter
- SEU to disconnect
- Instead of converting to SER on the load side of the disconnect it stays as SEU
- SEU into the panel
- The disconnect can is bonded to the grounded neutral conductors with those little ground conductor that turn horizontal and connect to the ground bar.
- The panel inside get all the neutrals and grounds bonded together along with the gas and water EGCs and the GEC
- The disconnect gets labeled "EMERGENCY DISCONNECT"
What is right, wrong, why is it OK to do the later install just because you change the label to emergency disconnect instead of service disconnect?
Why is it OK to do the later install if the grounds need to be terminated at the first means of disconnect?
Does labeling the disconnect "EMERGENCY DISCONNECT" create a work around?
It sounds like you're seeking clarification on the requirements for emergency disconnects versus service disconnects in electrical installations, particularly in light of code updates and best practices. Here's a breakdown of your questions and some insights that might help:
1. **Service vs. Emergency Disconnect:**
- A **service disconnect** is essentially the main disconnect for the electrical service. It is typically located at or near the meter and is used to quickly disconnect power to the entire service.
- An **emergency disconnect** is designed to allow first responders to disconnect power in case of emergency situations, often located outside of or near the building.
2. **Use of SEU vs. SER:**
- Using **SEU (Service Entrance Cable)** is acceptable for the entire run from the meter to the panel if it is appropriately rated for the installation. SEU is typically used when it's necessary to have a weatherproof cable that can be run outside.
- **SER (Service Entrance Multi-Conductors)** may be used inside the building but can be less convenient in some installations.
3. **Grounding and Bonding:**
- Grounds should be properly terminated at the first means of disconnect. If using SEU, you would normally need to ensure that the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) is appropriately bonded at the disconnect. This is crucial for safety and to meet code requirements.
- If all grounds and neutrals are separated in the panel, that's also a standard practice for maintaining safety and avoiding ground loops in a residential installation.
4. **Labeling and Code Compliance:**
- Labeling a disconnect as "EMERGENCY DISCONNECT" does not change the requirements for how the system is grounded and bonded. It should still comply with grounding and bonding requirements as established by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments to it.
- The ability to use SEU throughout versus converting to SER could depend on various factors like the specific installation scenario, local code interpretations, and manufacturer guidelines.
### Summary:
It's essential to adhere to the NEC and any local regulations when determining whether to use SEU or SER, how to label your disconnects, and how grounding and bonding should be handled. If you're unsure about specific local code requirements or best practices, it might be beneficial to consult with a local inspector or an electrical code expert. Maintaining safety and compliance is the priority in any electrical installation.
