Outside disconnect required?

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220/221

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AZ
Just curious.



1) In you State, city, county, are you required to have a service disconnect outside?

2) Can you run unfused service conductors inside a house?

AZ = yes, no
 
In CA:no/yes

However, you get grief from the inspector and pg&e when you dont have the SD outside, and the second item really depends on the job. I have been allowed to pull new service conductors in conduit that was in the wall of a house a few times.

~Matt
 
It is my opinion that in the absence of a local amendment that the words "nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors" mean exatly that and you are required to install the disconnect at the point where the conductors actually enter the building. The code rule does not use any qualifing works along with the word "nearest" so it does not permit any amount of sevice conductor, other than that within the service equipment to be inside the building. Yes, I know that few agree with my reading of this rule, but that has no effect on what I think the rule says.
 
WA: No, yes. The limit for bringing service conductors into a building, before hitting the service disconnecting means, is 15 feet, by state code.
 
I don't believe a yes, yes answer is possible...??? :cool:
Sure it is. Even if the local codes require the service disconnect to be located outside, that doesn't mean that that disconnect has to be fused. I can have an unfused disconnect outside, and run to a main swichboard inside, and have a main breaker on the switchboard.
 
In NC

1. no

2. Yes - Horizontal distance allowed is 2 panel widths (approx 32")- Vertical distance allowed 2 panel Lengths (approx 72") - per NCDOI
 
Tenn Rual Areas

Disconnect not required on outside unless Power Co. requires it.

State Rule limits the length of raceway inside structure to 2 ft horizonally. Thus limiting the length of unfused conductors inside the structure.
 

Sure it is. Even if the local codes require the service disconnect to be located outside, that doesn't mean that that disconnect has to be fused. I can have an unfused disconnect outside, and run to a main swichboard inside, and have a main breaker on the switchboard.

The key word(s) here is service disconnect. Barring local amendment to the contrary, a service disconnect must have integral or adjacent overcurrent protection. I don't believe outside disconnect, inside ocp meets that requirement.
 
. . . a service disconnect must have integral or adjacent overcurrent protection. I don't believe outside disconnect, inside ocp meets that requirement.
I was going to ask you for a code citation, but I found it: 230.91. I concede the point.
 
In Nebraska:

1. Maybee

2. Max length of unfused conductors enter house is, or was 3 years ago, 18".

Anything over 18" then you're required outside sd.
 
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