Few people realized, even a couple of years ago, that we would be worried about security for electrical services. Recently, however, there have been many instances in my local community where the electrical power has been turned off at residences—whether this loss of power occurred due to kids messing around, more serious reasons, such as burglars trying to disable the electrical power to security systems and digital cameras. 

The reason why that happens may be secondary to the actual loss of power and what can be done to counter this problem. This is especially true when residents have special electrical needs.

Securing backup power

Where there are critical medical issues in the family, an optional standby electrical source, such as a generator, a photovoltaic (PV) or solar system with major battery backup, or a combination that conforms to the requirements in Articles 690 and 702, can be installed. For the utility company power, the electrical service at the home, the generator and the PV system, disconnecting means are required for each system. For security purposes, each disconnecting means should be locked in the “on” position to minimize the possibility of an unauthorized person disconnecting power. 

With these systems, there is always the question on everyone’s mind about disconnecting power to the home in an emergency situation. 

A keyed or combination lock can be used at each disconnecting means to secure these systems. For keyed locks, it’s a good idea to use locks with a common key to minimize any issues with quickly gaining access to the disconnects to turn them off in an emergency. Another good idea is storing the keys in a special area in the home so time is not lost trying to locate them when needed.

You may also want to put a spare key in an impact-resistant lock box firefighters can access, with dual locking through a PIN for the fire department. It would be necessary to notify the fire department of the address and PIN. It would also be wise to coordinate the PIN with the homeowner’s association so all the numbers in the community are the same for fire department access.

Emergency disconnecting means

New in 230.85 in the 2020 NEC and revised in 2023 is the requirement for one- and two-family dwelling units to have all service conductors terminate in an emergency disconnecting means that is installed in a readily accessible outdoor location on or within sight of the dwelling unit. 

The emergency disconnecting means must have a short circuit rating equal to or greater than the available fault current. 

If there is more than a single disconnecting means, then all must be grouped in a single location. 

Each disconnect must be one of the following: (1) a service disconnect; (2) a meter disconnect integral to the meter mounting equipment not marked as suitable only for use as service equipment installed in accordance with 230.82; or (3) other listed disconnect switch or circuit breaker marked suitable for use as service equipment, but not marked as suitable only for use as service equipment, installed on the supply side of each service disconnect. 

Where an older service is being replaced, all requirements of 230.85 apply to the new one, except where only meter sockets, service entrance conductors or related raceways and fittings are replaced, in which case these requirements do not apply. 

The emergency disconnecting means must be marked in one of the following methods: (1) Service disconnects marked as follows: “Emergency Disconnect, Service Disconnect;” (2) Meter disconnects installed per 230.82(3) and marked as follows: “Emergency Disconnect, Meter Disconnect, Not Service Equipment;“ or (3) other listed disconnect switches or circuit breakers on the supply side of each service disconnect suitable for use as service equipment and marked as follows: “Emergency Disconnect, Not Service Equipment.” 

As can be seen by 230.85, the outside disconnecting means are located so as to be readily accessible to emergency responders. The markings or labels above must be located on the outside front of the disconnect enclosure with red background and white text with letters at least ½-inch high.

There are many applications and requirements that apply to services in today’s rapidly changing electrical system.  

Oleksandr / stock.adobe.com