Code Change Summary: The list of items permitted to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnect was expanded.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Section 230.82 underwent significant revision, expanding the list of equipment permitted on the supply side of the service disconnect from 12 to 21 distinct items. This change represents both an expansion of recognized equipment types and a restructuring of the section to improve usability and compliance with the NEC^® Style Manual.

Previously, multiple devices and systems were grouped together under a single list item. For example, instrument transformers, impedance shunts, load management devices, surge arresters, and Type 1 SPDs were bundled within one provision. In the 2026 NEC^®, these are now separated into individual items to reduce ambiguity and place similar technologies adjacent to one another in the list. This restructuring improves clarity for installers and inspectors by presenting each permitted piece of equipment as its own entry rather than as part of a combined description.

Two new categories of equipment were also added to Section 230.82(8) in the 2026 NEC^®. Power distribution blocks, pressure connectors, and splice/tap devices in accordance with 230.46 are now specifically mentioned as permitted supply-side connections. In addition, permanently mounted absence of voltage testers if labeled suitable for use on the line side of the service disconnect have been added in (12), with an Informational Note referencing UL 1436 and NFPA 70E. Both additions reflect the panel’s effort to bring the Code in line with common field practices and evolving technology used in safety verification and power distribution.

An absence of voltage tester (AVT) is a permanently mounted device used to verify that a circuit is de-energized before opening an enclosure containing energized conductors or circuit parts. These devices provide test points or built-in test circuits with visual indicators to confirm both proper operation of the tester and the absence of phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground voltage.

When installed in service equipment enclosures, AVTs would be connected on the supply side of the service disconnecting means, which is why this application is now recognized in 230.82. Requiring the device to be listed ensures it has been evaluated for safe and reliable voltage testing.

Some provisions in this section from the 2023 NEC^® were deleted or relocated. The former item permitting emergency disconnects in accordance with 230.85 has been removed, since the 2026 NEC^® deletes 230.85 and incorporates its requirements into 230.70. Similarly, the group of provisions previously under (6) for photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, wind systems, and energy storage systems has been streamlined under a single list item (20) covering “interconnected electric power production sources.” This change simplifies the section while still requiring that such systems have listed service disconnecting means and appropriate overcurrent protection.

The code panel also revised text in several list items for consistency with the NEC^® Style Manual. Clarification was added regarding meter disconnect switches in item 3 that it is the equipment enclosing the disconnect that must be suitably marked, not the disconnect itself. In addition, grounding and bonding language that previously appeared in 230.82(2) and (3) was removed to eliminate redundancy with existing Article 250 requirements that already apply.

Even though the 2026 revisions in Section 230.82 do not represent a fundamental change in the types of equipment permitted on the supply side of the service disconnect, the revised language expands recognition of field practices, separates previously grouped items into clear stand-alone provisions, and adds new equipment categories that reflect modern installations. The result is a more organized, detailed, and enforceable section that provides greater clarity for contractors, inspectors, and engineers applying the rules in real-world installations.

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:

230.82 (in part)

Equipment Connected to the Supply Side of Service Disconnect. Only the following equipment shall be permitted to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means:

(6) Solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cell systems, wind electric systems, energy storage systems, or interconnected electric power production sources, if provided with a disconnecting means listed as suitable for use as service equipment, and overcurrent protection as specified in Part VII of Article 230.

2026 Code Language:

230.82 (in part)

Equipment Connected to the Supply Side of Service Disconnect. Only the following shall be permitted to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means:

(8) Power distribution blocks, pressure connectors, and devices for splices and taps in accordance with 230.46

(12) Permanently mounted absence of voltage testers, if labeled as suitable for use on the line side of the service disconnecting means

Informational Note: See UL 1436, Outlet Circuit Testers and Similar Indicating Devices, and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 120.6(7), Exception No. 1.

(20) Interconnected electric power production sources, if provided with a service disconnecting means in equipment listed as service equipment and overcurrent protection as specified in Article 230 Part VII