Service Disconnect vs Main Disconnect

Service Disconnect versus Main Disconnect

The service disconnect, according to the new section in the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC 230.85), the service disconnect is installed in a readily accessible outdoor location and is marked with “EMERGENCY DISCONNECT” or “SERVICE DISCONNECT.”  This means that first responders will have a suitable exterior disconnecting means in the event of a natural disaster, fire, or flooding.

The service disconnect is a way to quickly cut all electricity to a building. It offers a single point to disconnect the power to all circuits in a building. Sometimes this is referred to as a ‘main disconnect,’ but this is incorrect. The main disconnect is located in or near the service panel and will disconnect power to all circuits on that panel.