Outside disconnect

[Roger1662]

I'm in CT and was trying to determine if an outside disconnect for emergency use is required for a residential service change, or only for new houses. The code class I just took, the instructor was unsure

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I'm in CT and was trying to determine if an outside disconnect for emergency use is required for a residential service change, or only for new houses. The code class I just took, the instructor was unsure

In my eyes, a service change or a new house with a service is one and the same. Unless the code calls out an exemption on existing services, which it doesn't, then you need to install an exterior disconnect.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here you go...the nec 2020

230.85(C) Replacement.

Where service equipment is replaced, all of the requirements of this section shall apply.
Exception:
Where only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are replaced, the requirements of this section shall not apply.

 

[Roger1662]

Here you go...the nec 2020

So just a meter socket swap wouldn't require a disconnect?

 

[Buck Parrish]

So just a meter socket swap wouldn't require a disconnect?

That's the way I read it, You'll want to check with the AHJ. Nothing worst then a suprise.

 

[fishin' electrician]

Connecticut amended 230.85 in the 2022 State Building Code:

(Amd) 230.85 Emergency Disconnects. For new one- and two-family dwelling units, all service
conductors shall terminate in disconnecting means having a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater
than the available fault current, installed in a readily accessible outdoor location. If more than one
disconnect is provided, they shall be grouped. Each disconnect shall be one of the following:

(1) Service disconnects marked as follows:
EMERGENCY DISCONNECT,
SERVICE DISCONNECT

(2) Meter disconnects installed per 230.82(3) and marked as follows:
EMERGENCY DISCONNECT,
METER DISCONNECT,
NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT

(3) Other listed disconnect switches or circuit breakers on the supply side of each service disconnect
that are suitable for use as service equipment and marked as follows:
EMERGENCY DISCONNECT,
NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Markings shall comply with 110.21(B).

 

[fishin' electrician]

Oh, find a new class provider.

 

[sparky1118]

I know in Massachusetts it is required on new homes and also if you are changing an existing service you need to install the emergency disco.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Steve16]

As @fishin' electrician said, the state amended it out. Any existing dwelling it is not required.

Who was your continuing education with that didn't know this was amended out?


P.s. don't forgot your carbon monoxide detectors that the state missed amending out

 

[Cmadz]

@Steve16 so existing house service upgrade requires installation of a CO now? Were surge protectors amended out too? Do you have to throw arc faults in the whole panel? Sorry, new to the game and this code is tough to interpret.

 

[Steve16]

@Steve16 so existing house service upgrade requires installation of a CO now? Were surge protectors amended out too? Do you have to throw arc faults in the whole panel? Sorry, new to the game and this code is tough to interpret.

Any electrical permit requires CO detectors, just not every town is enforcing it. And watch put for the unlisted ones on Amazon.

Surge protectors are required when replacing service equipment in a dwelling. So service change, panel change, could also be required if a main breaker is replaced.

Arc fault protection is only required if the circuit is extended or altered. But this includes replacement of the receptacles.

 

[Rick 0920]

Here in Jacksonville FL we are still under the 2017 NEC. It doesn't look like they will be adopting the 2020 anytime soon either.

 

[DV73]

If a renovation goes over 50% of the value the AHJ may require you to bring it all up to code. This is one of the reasons that multiple permits are pulled for the same project.