Service Disconnect In MA.

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wireman3736

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Vermont/Mass.
Maybe you guy's working in MA. can answer this, I had an electrician that works in MA. tell me that It's a requirement in MA. now to install a disconnect outside the building for the service disconnect, The way I read the code is it can still be inside within the 10'. I see where it's allowable to install a disconnect before the meter under certain conditions but I don't see where it's required, Either I'm missing something or this guy's is way out in left field.:rolleyes: Looking for a little clarification.
 
LarryFine said:
Unless it's a local thing, there is no "10'" or any other distance specified in the NEC.
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Actually, the distance is specified in 230.70(A)(1). It says the service disconnect must be "nearest" the point of entrance of the service conductors. Clear as mud...

Local AHJ decides what "nearest" means. Around here, some will allow 4-5', while others give very little leeway.
 
The MA amendments to the nec specifies 10' as does my states amendments. I was asking if a disconnect is specified on the exterior as I was told by a MA electrician, I think he is wrong.:)
 
The MA amendments do not specify 10'. (Unless it slipped by me on the last cycle. I'll check later today) MA amendments definitely do not specify disconnect on exterior. Neither do the 2 major poco's N-Star and N-Grid. Some municipalities have local town owned poco's (Wellesley, Shrewsbury, Holden to name a few.) which could have their own requirements.
 
Forgot I had a copy of MA amendments here. Just double checked. Basically says that "the disconnect must be outside the building, attached to, or within 10' of the building; or inside at the nearest point of entry."
 
The Mass Code language does not require a disconnect outside the premises. It does set conditions if a meter disconnect is used. The amendment allows a disconnect either inside or outside. if outside it must be on the building or no further than 10 feet from the building if you wish for it to serve as the building disconnect. That being said you may have a "meter" disconnect a greater distance than 10 feet but it may not serve as the building disconnect that is required in 230 and 225. This allows the the neutral (so to say) to ground equipment ahead of the building disconnect

Charlie
 
I didn't think one was required outside but I haven't done much work over there so I just wanted to check, I stand corrected on the 10' rule inside, I misread the amendments, I know VT. limits it to 10' inside the building and when I read within 10' of the the building I thought it said in the building, the town is Williams town. thanks for the response.:D
 
jeff43222 said:
Actually, the distance is specified in 230.70(A)(1). It says the service disconnect must be "nearest" the point of entrance of the service conductors. Clear as mud...

Local AHJ decides what "nearest" means. Around here, some will allow 4-5', while others give very little leeway.
Click to expand...
To me, "'nearest' the point of entrance" is not a specific, or specified, distance; it's an adjective.
 
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