Code Change Summary: Relocated language on replacement of service equipment for one- and two-family dwellings from 230.85(C) to 230.70(E).

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, the provisions that previously appeared in Section 230.85(C) dealing with replacement of service equipment for one- and two-family dwellings have been deleted from 230.85 and relocated into Section 230.70(E). The relocation was made necessary by the removal of Section 230.85 (covering emergency disconnects) in its entirety, with its requirements redistributed into Section 230.70 to consolidate the general service disconnecting means rules under one primary section of the Code.

The intent of this revision is to provide better organization and usability of the NEC^®. In the 2023 edition, Section 230.85 contained requirements for emergency disconnects, including a subsection that addressed what must occur when service equipment for one- and two-family dwellings is replaced. In the 2026 NEC^®, the relocated language in Section 230.70(E) continues to require that when service equipment is replaced, the installation must be brought into compliance with 230.70(A), 230.70(B), and 230.70(C), which includes the service disconnecting means for one- and two-family dwellings being installed in a readily accessible outdoor location. This ensures that replacement service installations are consistent with present-day safety requirements and not left operating under outdated rules.

As before, the Code recognizes that not every service equipment replacement project involves completely replacing all service equipment. An exception remains in place that excludes situations where only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are being replaced. In those limited cases, the replacement does not trigger compliance with 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(B)(2). This provides a practical balance by ensuring that partial upgrades do not place an unnecessary burden on the installer while still maintaining previous code compliance.

By placing this requirement within Section 230.70, the Code now houses all general rules governing the service disconnecting means in one location. This aligns with NEC^® Style Manual guidance to reduce redundancy, eliminate fragmentation of related requirements, and improve the clarity of application for both field users and enforcement authorities. Moving forward, electrical professionals will not need to reference a deleted section for service replacement rules but can find them directly within the same article section that governs the installation of service disconnecting means.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2026 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

2023 Code Language:

230.85(C) Replacement. Where service equipment is replaced, all of the requirements of this section shall apply.

Exception: Where only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are replaced, the requirements of this section shall not apply.

2026 Code Language:

N 230.70(E) Replacement. Replacement of service equipment for one- and two- family dwellings shall comply with 230.70(A), 230.70(B), and 230.70(C).

Exception: If only meter sockets, service entrance conductors, or related raceways and fittings are replaced, the requirements of 230.70(A)(1) and 230.70(B)(2) shall not apply.