Where should the service disconnect be located?

• A. In a readily accessible location outside or inside the building, as required by code; must be usable to disconnect all ungrounded conductors.
• B. In a locked cabinet in the basement.
• C. On the roof for weather protection.
• D. Next to the main breaker panel in the living room; not necessary to disconnect all ungrounded conductors.

Answer: (A)

The service disconnect must be readily accessible and capable of disconnecting all ungrounded conductors. This ensures the entire electrical service can be shut off quickly in an emergency or for safe maintenance, without barriers or delays. Codes allow the disconnect to be located either outside or inside the building, as long as the spot is easily reachable and not blocked or locked. That accessibility is why a locked cabinet in the basement, a rooftop location, or a setup that doesn’t reliably isolate all ungrounded conductors is unacceptable. Placing the disconnect next to the main panel in the living room wouldn’t meet the requirement if it can’t consistently disconnect all ungrounded conductors or isn’t readily accessible.