National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, September 8, 2022

Question:

Greetings CQD, and thank you for a great forum. Considering NEC section 230.85, emergency disconnects are required for one and two-family dwelling units. Is the acceptable meter disconnect means allowed in section 230.85(2) considered customer-owned equipment or utility-owned equipment? I would surmise the meter disconnect mentioned in this article would be required to be customer-owned, as NEC section 90.2(B)(5) excludes this type of utility-owned metering equipment from regulation. Possibly a code exception or FPN to section 230.85 is needed.

Many Thanks,

Kelly Stockwill

A

Answer:

Kelly, thanks for your question. In general, meter enclosures/meter sockets and like equipment installed on a one or two-family dwelling unit are owned by the customer. That being said, many utilities will specify the types of meter enclosures the customer must use for accepting electrical service in their area. These specifications may impact how you achieve compliance with Section 230.85 of the 2020 NEC. It is always advisable to check with your local utility for any specific equipment restrictions or requirements.  

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