Code Change Summary: Revised language on the two to six service disconnects permitted in 230.71(B).

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Section 230.71(B) retains the allowance for up to six service disconnects per service, but the list items and text have been revised for clarity and consistency. The parent text in 230.71 remains the same: each service is generally limited to a single disconnect unless it falls within the permitted configurations of 230.71(B). The changes focus on simplifying language, aligning terminology, and relocating content to improve usability and accuracy.

One of the major revisions is a shift in terminology. Previous editions of the NEC^® used multiple terms interchangeably, including “main service disconnecting means” and “main service disconnect.” For the 2026 Code, the text has been updated to consistently use the simpler term “service disconnect.” This helps reduce confusion in application and aligns the section with the terminology used throughout Article 230.

Another important change is the relocation of the previous item 2. In earlier editions, 230.71(B)(2) permitted panelboards with a main service disconnecting means in each panelboard enclosure. Since this item was essentially a restatement of the separate enclosure rule already covered in item 1, it has been removed from the list and clarified by way of an informational note. Informational Note 2 now specifies that enclosed panelboards are considered an example of separate enclosures with a single service disconnect. This avoids redundancy while still clarifying the intent for users in the field.

The numbering of the list items has also been adjusted for consistency. The prior list item 3 has been renumbered and slightly reworded to align with the formatting of the other list items. New item 3 now covers the allowance to have two to six service disconnects in “switchgear and transfer switches, where each service disconnect is located in a separate compartment”.

Similarly, the allowance for “metering centers with each service disconnect located in a separate compartment or in separate enclosures” were previously listed separately in 4 and 5 but are now only addressed under the reworded provisions of item 4, since the intent is already captured within the broader requirement for service disconnects in separate compartments or enclosures.

These revisions did not change the fundamental technical requirements that allow up to six service disconnects under specific configurations. The changes are organizational in nature, intended to make the rules easier to read, apply, and enforce without altering the existing six-switch disconnect rule. The goal was to eliminate unnecessary repetition, clarify that certain equipment such as enclosed panelboards qualify under the rules already in place, and ensure that terminology is consistent throughout the section.

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:

230.71(B) Two to Six Service Disconnecting Means. Two to six service disconnects shall be permitted for each service permitted by 230.2 or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5. The two to six service disconnecting means shall be permitted to consist of a combination of any of the following:

(1) Separate enclosures with a main service disconnecting means in each enclosure

(2) Panelboards with a main service disconnecting means in each panelboard enclosure

(3) Switchboard(s) where there is only one service disconnect in each separate vertical section with barriers provided between each vertical section to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from the adjacent section(s)

(4) Service disconnects in switchgear, transfer switches, or metering centers where each disconnect is located in a separate compartment

(5) Metering centers with a main service disconnecting means in each metering center

(6) Motor control center(s) where there is only one service disconnect in a motor control center unit and a maximum of two service disconnects provided in a single motor control center with barriers provided between each motor control center unit or compartment containing a service disconnect to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from adjacent motor control center unit(s) or compartment(s)

Exception to (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6): Existing service equipment, installed in compliance with previous editions of this Code that permitted multiple service disconnecting means in a single enclosure, section, or compartment, shall be permitted to contain a maximum of six service disconnecting means.

See the NEC^® for informational notes…

2026 Code Language:

230.71(B) Two to Six Service Disconnects. Two to six service disconnects shall be permitted for each service permitted by 230.4 or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40 Exception No. 1, No. 3, No. 4, or No. 5. Such service disconnects shall be permitted to consist of a combination of any of the following:

(1) Separate enclosures with a single service disconnect in each enclosure

(2) Switchboards where there is only one service disconnect in each separate vertical section with barriers provided between each vertical section to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from the adjacent section(s)

(3) Switchgear and transfer switches, where each service disconnect is located in a separate compartment

(4) Metering centers with each service disconnect located in a separate compartment or in separate enclosures

(5) Motor control center(s) where there is only one service disconnect in a motor control center unit and a maximum of two service disconnects provided in a single motor control center with barriers provided between each motor control center unit or compartment containing a service disconnect to maintain the inadvertent contact protection required in 230.62 based on access from adjacent motor control center units or compartments

Exception: Existing service equipment, installed in compliance with previous editions of this code that permitted multiple service disconnects in a single enclosure, section, or compartment, shall be permitted to contain a maximum of six service disconnects.

See the NEC^® for informational notes…