NEC 230.70 requirement for Service Disconnect with distribution panel in the garage

[davepjrparrish]

Hello, I'm trying to decipher if an installation meets NEC 2020 Art 230.70. Both houses were completed in Florida in late 2021.

One house has a Square-D meter/panel on the outside with the panel clearly marked "Emergency Disconnect" with a main breaker inside as well as a 2-pole breaker which I haven't identified the use. Maybe for whole house surge protection? The distribution panel located in the garage does not have a main breaker.

Second house does not have an Emergency disconnect outside and has a main breaker on the panel inside.

I understand 230.70(A)(1) requires the service disconnect to be in a readily accessible location. I'm trying to determine 2 things.
1. Is the 1st house code compliant missing a main breaker on the panel? Can the Emergency disconnect serve duel purpose?
2. Is the 2nd house code compliant not having a service disconnect on the outside of the house? Can the main breaker being inside the garage be considered Emergency disconnect?

Neither seem correct based on Figure 230.1 in the 2020 Code.

Thank you in advance,.

 

[david luchini]

I thought the 2020 Florida Building Code referenced the 2017 NEC.

 

[davepjrparrish]

I thought the 2020 Florida Building Code referenced the 2017 NEC.

I did some digging and see you are correct. When I did my search is stated they adopted the 2020 version of the Florida building code and thought it said NEC 202.

However, is it still possible to shed some light on why the 2 are so different and are both correct?

 

[david luchini]

I would think both are correct as the service disconnect can either be inside or outside the building.

To comply with NEC 2020 230.85 Emergency Disconnects, however, I think the panel labeled "Emergency Disconnect" would also need to be labeled as either "Service Disconnect" or "Not Service Equipment."

 

[davepjrparrish]

I would think both are correct as the service disconnect can either be inside or outside the building.

To comply with NEC 2020 230.85 Emergency Disconnects, however, I think the panel labeled "Emergency Disconnect" would also need to be labeled as either "Service Disconnect" or "Not Service Equipment."

Based on 2017 I understand. Interesting the Emergency Disconnect is also the main. I think you are correct about the 2020 requirements. Thank you.