Which NEC section provides the rule for the maximum number of service disconnects?

Which NEC section provides the rule for the maximum number of service disconnects?

• A. NEC 230.71(B)(1)
• B. NEC 230.24(A)
• C. NEC 250.24(B)
• D. NEC 310.12

Answer: (A)

The fundamental idea here is knowing how many devices can serve as the service disconnects for a building. The NEC specifies a clear limit: for a single service, you may have up to six disconnecting means. This rule keeps the service equipment simple, keeps the shutoff path obvious, and helps ensure emergency personnel can quickly identify and operate the required disconnects. That specific limit is found in a section dedicated to the number of service disconnecting means, which is why it’s the best answer. In practice, you might have a main disconnect plus additional disconnects for feeders or subpanels, but the total cannot exceed six and they should be arranged so the shutoff is easily accessible. The other sections mentioned deal with different topics—such as where the disconnects must be located, how service conductors or grounding are sized, or conductor ampacity rules—and do not establish the limit on the number of service disconnects.

The fundamental idea here is knowing how many devices can serve as the service disconnects for a building. The NEC specifies a clear limit: for a single service, you may have up to six disconnecting means. This rule keeps the service equipment simple, keeps the shutoff path obvious, and helps ensure emergency personnel can quickly identify and operate the required disconnects. That specific limit is found in a section dedicated to the number of service disconnecting means, which is why it’s the best answer.

In practice, you might have a main disconnect plus additional disconnects for feeders or subpanels, but the total cannot exceed six and they should be arranged so the shutoff is easily accessible. The other sections mentioned deal with different topics—such as where the disconnects must be located, how service conductors or grounding are sized, or conductor ampacity rules—and do not establish the limit on the number of service disconnects.