Emergency Service Disconnect

[Bigbri0104]

Hello,

Question is in reference to Article 230 section 230.85. Does this new requirement of installing a emergency disconnect apply to Electrical panel "replacements" for existing dwellings, or just to new installations? Thanks.

Brian

 

[don_resqcapt19]

230.85 does not have "replacement language", so it only applies to new installations. 230.67 was also added in the 2020 code by the same code making panel, and that does contain "replacement language". If CMP 10 had intended 230.85 to apply to a panel replacement they would have included such language.

If your panel replacement includes the meter can and the riser, I would consider that a new service and say that, in that application, you would be required to install the outside emergency disconnect.

Prior to the the code really muddying the waters by adding "replacement language" I would have said that if you work on it, you must make it comply with the currently adopted code. Now, I say that is only true where the code has specific "replacement language". The code took a huge step backwards when it started adding the "replacement language" to some, but not all code sections.

 

[Bigbri0104]

Thank you for responding to my question. Much appreciated!

 

[kwired]

Most places replacing service panel generally means that portion of the construction is new and must comply with whatever code is in effect at the time of replacement.

Even without the emergency disconnect rule in 2020, you still had some situations where changes mean bringing up to new standards. You maybe made an existing service panel into a feeder panel - so things like bonding/grounding usually needed some changes since this is no longer a service panel.

 

[infinity]

If your panel replacement includes the meter can and the riser, I would consider that a new service and say that, in that application, you would be required to install the outside emergency disconnect.

I agree when you're replacing the entire service.

 

[Mdsparky]

Massachusetts clarified this
"This section shall only apply to the following: (1) New one- and two-family dwellings, or new buildings of double occupancy, at least one of which is a dwelling unit. (2) Two-family dwellings or buildings of double occupancy at least one of which is a dwelling unit, and newly created by subdivision of an existing one-family dwelling. (3) One- and two-family dwellings where the service(s) is (are) entirely replaced. (4)....."

 

[fishin' electrician]

(3) One- and two-family dwellings where the service(s) is (are) entirely replaced.

Service. The conductors and equipment for delivering electric
energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises
served.

Equipment. A general term, including fittings, devices, appliances,
luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a
part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.

So, I can just re-use the old weatherhead in order to forgo adding an emergency disconnect. Gotta love when they leave you an out.

 

[Mdsparky]

They used the word "entirely "