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Friday, July 21, 2017

Question:

Disconection of out of service branch circuit wiring

Is there a code requirement for the branch circuit wiring to be disconnected from the breaker or to turn off the breaker when a device such as a sign transformer is removed from the circuit? The end of the circuit is left in a junction box with capped wires. While it is safer to disconnect the wires or at the minimum turn off the breaker and label it, is there a requirement for such?

G Floyd

A

Answer:

Hey G Floyd thanks for your question. No there is not a specific NEC that requires the branch circuit wiring you describe to be deenergized, disconnected or removed.

The conductors need to be insulated in the junction box using suitable means (capped wires) and the box needs to have a cover installed. But as you suggest it is safer to disconnect the conductors at the source and possibly mark them with a tag or something similar to help someone in the future.

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