Location of a Main Service Disconnect

Is a main electrical service panel required to have a main breaker or disconnect switch? What is the NEC code article number that states this? © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Electric Service Panel
Electrical Question: Is a main power panel required to have a main breaker or disconnect switch?

Is a main power panel required to have a main breaker or disconnect switch that removes power from the meter pedestal or transformer, and if so what is the NEC code number that states this?

This electrical wiring question came from Gerry, a Handyman in Yuma, Arizona.
Additional Comments: Just found your website, and the NEC codes are to complicated for the average Joe, I’m glad i found it.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gerry.

Electrical Code for a Main Service Panel

Application: Electrical Code for Services a Main Panel.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Main Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Main Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Yuma, Arizona. A permit and inspections may also be required.

NEC Code for a Service Disconnect

This electrical wiring project is about the Electrical Code for a Main Panel.

Hi Gerry, Great Question!
From what you have described, the following may help you: Ref: NEC 230.70(A)

NEC Article 230.70(A)

• The NEC Article 230.70(A) states that a disconnecting means for the main service must be located either outside or inside the building nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
• NOTE: The location within the service of the pedestal or transformer may be a factor, and if these items are part of the utility company, or part of the customers electrical equipment.

More about Electrical Codes and Main Panel

How to Wire a Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Home Electrical Codes for Main Service Panels
Electrical Wiring Codes

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Home Electrical Wiring Codes

Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring

Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, and smoke-detectors.

Electrical Safety

Safety Checklist

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems

Home Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures.

Electrical Testers

Using Testers to Help Locate Electrical Problems