Maximum number of disconnects (230.71A)

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phi

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Hello everyone,

When I read NEC section 230.71A, it appear to me that the code only allows up to 6 disconnects (circuit breaker/ switches) at the service entrance switchboard.

Here is the text from the code for those of you who don't have your code books in front of you:
"The service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2, or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5, shall consist of not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard. There shall be not more than six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location."

Considering this code section, please take a look at the single-line attached and let me know if you think it complies with the code.

Thank you!!
 

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Looks like 3 disconnects to me. One per meter.
The fact that there are 7 breakers after the third one does not seem to be a problem.

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GoldDigger said:
Looks like 3 disconnects to me. One per meter.
The fact that there are 7 breakers after the third one does not seem to be a problem.

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Click to expand...

Ok. When you say one per meter, are the meters a factor here? Let's say there was only one meter at the service entrance. Would this still be a legal installation?
 
I do not care about the number of meters. I was just referring to its location. The key thing is that opening those three disconnects removes all power from the entire system.

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GoldDigger said:
I do not care about the number of meters. I was just referring to its location. The key thing is that opening those three disconnects removes all power from the entire system.

Tapatalk!
Click to expand...

And I agree with your response. I have talked to couple of other people and they said the same thing. I got into an argument with another person regarding the code and how it is worded. For example "... There shall be not more than six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location."

So code does not said main disconnect, which one could take away that any disconnect (circuit/fuse), whether it is feeding another distribution board, elevator, lighting, ... counts as a disconnect.

Looking at that line of code, it would mean we have more than 6 disconnects in one locations.
 
Using your argument there is would be no way to legally install a panel with more than six feeder or branch breakers.
IMHO the problem with your argument is that none of the seven breakers are SERVICE disconnects, since they are downstream of the first disconnect.
The examples of other counted disconnects you mention are all connected to the line side of the other service disconnects.
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Last edited:
As GoldDiggerr states, if one were to approach it from your standpoint, a residence with a 200 amp main breaker 42 circuit panel(full) would have 43 "service" disconnects :D
230.71 refers only to the number of devices needed to disconnect the service power.
Note that those are required to be marked "Service Disconnect" to help distinguish them from other devices at the same location.
 
phi said:
So code does not said main disconnect, which one could take away that any disconnect (circuit/fuse), whether it is feeding another distribution board, elevator, lighting, ... counts as a disconnect. Looking at that line of code, it would mean we have more than 6 disconnects in one locations.
Click to expand...


It is important to remember the scope of the article is written for a reason. The six disconnecting means is in relationship to the scope of the article 230.1
 
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