Understanding the 2023 NEC Changes to Maximum Number of Disconnects (Section 230.71)

Understanding the 2023 NEC Changes to Maximum Number of Disconnects (Section 230.71)​

The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces several significant updates to Section 230.71, focusing on the maximum number of disconnects allowed for electrical services. These changes aim to enhance safety and clarify the requirements for electrical professionals. Here's a comprehensive look at the key changes and their implications.

1. Enhanced Safety Through Compartmentalization

One of the primary updates in the 2023 NEC is the emphasis on safety by requiring that each disconnecting means be installed in separate enclosures or compartments. This change aims to:

• Reduce the risk of incidents involving energized conductors or circuit parts.
• Ensure that when a disconnect is operated, it de-energizes conductors and circuit parts, except for the line side of the disconnecting means.

This compartmentalization requirement is particularly crucial in switchboards, where there must be only one service disconnect in each separate vertical section with barriers provided between sections. Similarly, in motor control centers, there can be up to two service disconnects in a single unit, provided there are barriers between units.

2. Inclusion of Renewable Energy Systems

The 2023 NEC explicitly includes conductors from renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic systems and wind generators, as service conductors. This addition clarifies that these systems fall under the same regulations as traditional service conductors, ensuring consistent safety and compliance standards across different energy sources.

3. Detailed Clarifications and Informational Notes

The updated code provides more detailed clarifications on the requirements for separating service disconnects. For instance, it specifies that:

• Switchboards must have only one service disconnect in each separate vertical section, with barriers provided between sections to maintain inadvertent contact protection.
• Service disconnects in switchgear, transfer switches, or metering centers must be located in separate compartments.
• Motor control centers can have up to two service disconnects in a single unit, provided there are barriers between units or compartments to maintain inadvertent contact protection.

These clarifications help installers and inspectors ensure that electrical systems are set up in a way that maximizes safety and compliance.

4. Accommodation for Existing Installations

The 2023 NEC maintains an exception for existing service equipment installed under previous editions of the code. This exception allows for the continued use of up to six service disconnecting means in a single enclosure, section, or compartment, acknowledging the practicalities of upgrading older systems.

Conclusion

The 2023 updates to NEC Section 230.71 reflect a commitment to improving electrical safety and clarity. By emphasizing compartmentalization, including renewable energy systems, and providing detailed clarifications, the NEC helps ensure that electrical installations are safer and more reliable. Electrical professionals should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and enhance the safety of their installations.

Key Changes at a Glance:

• Enhanced safety through the requirement of separate enclosures or compartments for each disconnecting means.
• Inclusion of conductors from renewable energy sources under the definition of service conductors.
• Detailed requirements for barriers in switchboards and motor control centers to prevent inadvertent contact.
• Continued accommodation for existing installations with multiple service disconnects.

By understanding and applying these updates, electrical professionals can better ensure the safety and compliance of their installations in accordance with the latest NEC standards.