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sawsall02 · Apr 21, 2011, 05:43 PM

I am running power to an outbuilding, and was told I need a separate power disconnect on the outside of the building before the service entrance panel. Something about Firefighters need access to the power, on the outside of the building. Is this a new code I'm unaware of?

donf · Apr 21, 2011, 05:50 PM

It is not part of the NEC, however, that said, it may be a requirement of the LAHJ.

Does your home currently have an outside disconnect switch on it?

It not such a big deal. You just run your four wire feed to the switch and then from the switch to the inside panel. I would also advise you to either use a panelboard with a main breaker on it or install another switch in case of an emergency you can shut the power off in one movement.

sawsall02 · Apr 21, 2011, 06:16 PM

Hey donf, yes both the house and the barn have panelboards with main breakers. No disconnect on the outside of home other than the meters. Thanks.

donf · Apr 21, 2011, 06:33 PM

Okay, but that does preclude the possibly of a new local code having been implemented.

To be real honest with you, most of the fire-people I know prefer to know for sure all of the electrical power has been cut off to a building before then enter it an start running around shooting water every where.

My brother was with the NYFD for 20 some years and I have both a nephew and a niece on the fire departments of two neighboring cities. It seems they have no interest in getting shocked to death, go figure :)

sawsall02 · Apr 21, 2011, 06:54 PM

Yea, I've got a buddy that's on the DFD here in Michigan. Would"nt want to see anyone get electricuted. Just wondering if it's code in Lenewee county, MI. though? Power could always be shut off at the house to the barn. I guess the reasoning is, for if you were not home if a fire did start.

donf · Apr 22, 2011, 06:02 AM

It's a simple matter to find out if an exterior disconnect is required.

Call the city or state inspectors and ask them. For that matter you could probably call the fire department in your area and see if they have mandated that disconnect.

As far as I know, if any fire crew, someone is specifically detailed to get the power off in the building.

Whether the disconnect is inside or not.

sawsall02 · Apr 22, 2011, 06:42 AM

I'll do just that, thanks donf.

tkrussell · Apr 23, 2011, 03:56 AM

I cannot find any specific code for your county.

I can find the electric code for Michigan, which adopted the NEC 2008 edition Dec2, 2009, with specific amendments unique to Michigan:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dl...n_295688_7.pdf

From the 2008 edition of the NEC:

VI. Service Equipment — Disconnecting Means
230.70 General. Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the serviceentrance conductors.

(A) Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed in accordance with 230.70(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).

(1) Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.

So, your outbuilding does need a service disconnect at that building, NEC allows it to be inside or outdoors.

Having it outdoors is better, I believe, for access and easier to install.

Firefighters will always appreciate a disconnect outdoors, but they do not usually have the opportunity or legal authority to dictate it is required to be outdoors.

While it would seem easy to require all service disconnecting means to be located outdoors, there are too many locations this requirement would just not work, or be practical, for many reasons, therefore, cannot be restricted by a wide brush requirement.

sawsall02 · Apr 23, 2011, 07:01 PM

Thanks tkrussel, Already have one inside, so I should be O.K.. I have it located as soon as you come in the front entrance door.