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Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Question:
Hello Code Question of the Day, I have been hearing rumors regarding a change in the 2023
NEC® that will require dwelling units to have an exterior emergency service disconnect. By chance can you shed some light on the validity of the rumor, and if it is true, can you please explain the new requirement? Thank You, Joseph Radmer
A
Answer:
Joseph, thank you for your question. The rumors are true, kind of. This requirement first appeared in the 2020 edition of the
NEC®, at that time the
NEW Section 230.85
Emergency Disconnects. The 2023 edition included a revised, and enhanced Section 230.85. This newish code Section requires one and two-family dwellings to have an exterior emergency disconnect. This emergency disconnect can be the service disconnect, or it can be an additional, listed device, installed ahead of the service disconnect. Whichever is used, it shall be marked as required in Section(s) 230.85(E) and 110.21(B). Section 230.85(C) requires this emergency disconnect to be installed when service equipment is being replaced as well.