Code Quiz

Oct 26, 2007 11:44 PM, By Steven Owen

Q. A new service consisting of 6 individual disconnect switches has been installed outdoors, on the back side of a small retail shopping center. One of the disconnect switches has been installed remote from the others. The disconnect installed remote from the others is for the water pump intended for fire protection. Is this installation NEC compliant?

Yes, because the disconnect switches can be installed in any location and in any grouping of the installers choice — no NEC requirement.
Yes, because one of the two to six service disconnecting means is permitted to be installed remote from the others that are grouped together in one location if it meets the requirements of the exception associated with the grouping requirement.
No, because retail shopping locations require that all service disconnects be installed in a locked room in a separate building adjacent to the shopping area.
No, because all service disconnects need to be installed in indoor locations only.

Answer: B

One of the two to six service disconnecting means is permitted to be installed remote from the others that are grouped together in one location if it meets that requirements of the exception associated with the grouping requirement. [230.72(A)(EX)]

Owen is the owner and president of National Code Seminars and the holder of master electrician certifications in 46 states. He can be reached at necexpert@aol.com.