New Code Changes
Service Disconnect Code
Article 230.70 NEC 2020
What you need to know.
Effective April 15,2024 most jurisdictions in Southwest Ohio will be requiring a Service Disconnect for newly installed services on single family and multi-unit dwellings. What does this mean for the Contractor and the Consumer?
It means you need to have a means of disconnecting live current carrying conductors from the exterior of the premises in the event of a fire or other calamity that may require the main power to be disconnected to prevent death or injury to first responders or other affected personnel.
Previous to 04/15/2024 a main service disconnection was typically done by a responding agency via pulling the meter or opening the fuses on the transformer can on the pole. This method was not always the most efficient since in some circumstances locks were placed on meters, or other obstacles precluded rapid pulling of the meter to disconnect electrical service. This could cause first responders to lose valuable seconds to overcome these barriers that could have been used to save persons, pets, or properties. The introduction of a single throw disconnecting method overcomes these time constraints and allows for immediate disconnection of electrical power allowing for faster entries and life saving tasks to be performed.
The introduction of this Disconnect Code (ART 230.70 NEC 2020) does not come without cost. Introduction of this disconnect will drive the cost of a new service up. The Code will require a NEMA3R (wet location rated enclosure) and breaker (or other over current device) to be installed in addition to the metering equipment. Some manufacturers have introduced self-contained metering and disconnect equipment but those are not readily available at the time of this publication (03/28/2024). Either way the cost of a $70.00 meter will now grow to at least $445.00 for the new disconnect, plus installation cost for the new equipment. These charges were not realized prior to 04/15/2024 and will affect the cost of a service installation that has already been elevated by extreme inflation since the 2020 pandemic. Please note that these disconnects are compulsory by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and will have to be installed in order to have a meter release issued in the County you are residing in.
You can trust your service installations to Cullen Electric in both value and expertise. We will only install panels and breakers that have Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranties so you know you are receiving maximum value and quality throughout.
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Cullen Electric proudly serves the Greater Cincinnati area; including all of Clermont County, Hamilton County, Southern Warren County (South Lebanon to I-275), and portions of Butler County (Liberty Township and West Chester).