Location of Disconnecting Means

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cripple

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Santa Fe, New Mexico
An issue has come up as to the location of disconnecting means located inside of a building or structure.
The NEC requires a disconnecting means for all building or structure and shall be located in a readily accessible location either inside or outside of the building structure. If located inside of a building or structure it shall be located in a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors.
The NEC does not specify a distances requirement for the location of the disconnecting means for the feeder or service conductors. The only statement in the NEC about the location of the disconnecting means can be found in 225.32, 230.70(A)(1), 240.21(B)(5), 240.21(C)(4) and 690.14(C)(1) which state the following:
The disconnecting means shall be at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors.
It would seem that the location ?nearest the point of entrance of the conductors? is being left up the AHJ to set a maximum distance for locating the disconnecting means.
Does anyone have any comments or guidance in establishing a maximum distance for the location of the disconnecting means?
Any thoughts or other things to check?
 
From what I have seen, it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from inspector to inspector for that matter. Locally, there is "preference" (for lack of a better term) that the disconnecting means be no more than 10 feet from the point of entrance.
Also remember that the point of entrance does not have to be an outer wall. So long as the service conductors are under a slab beneath the building they are still considered "outside" the building. We install service conductors under buildings all the time. Where they penetrate the concrete floor is the point of entrance and we hit the service disconnect there!
 
Also remember that the point of entrance does not have to be an outer wall. So long as the service conductors are under a slab beneath the building they are still considered "outside" the building. We install service conductors under buildings all the time. Where they penetrate the concrete floor is the point of entrance and we hit the service disconnect there!
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I agree, also look at 230.6 for other means for conductors to be considered "Outside the building". This section is also referenced in 225.32.

Chris
 
It's a matter of local rules. In Washington State, the law provides a maximum distance of 15 feet. I usually solve any related problems by running the conduits under the building slab, in the manner described above by Chris.
 
As I mentioned in a earlier post, an inspector in one county required 18 inches, he was there for rough in, the service cert. was already sent. Haven't heard anything from him.
 
In my county the limit is 10ft, stated in writing. But when a contractor wanted to go 25ft, I refused to approve it, so the EC went to the inspector who said it was OK. Go figure.
 
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