Code Change Summary: Section 690.13 has been revised to remove duplicative material and now directs users to Section 705.20 for harmonized PV system disconnecting means requirements.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, Section 690.13 was greatly reduced because much of its content duplicated requirements already found in 705.20. This was an intentional move to unify the rules governing alternate power source disconnecting means across multiple power-producing technologies such as PV, generators, and energy storage systems. Section 690.13 now directs users to 705.20, which functions as the central location for disconnecting means requirements whenever an alternate source of power is interconnected with the premises wiring system and operates in parallel with the primary source of electricity, typically utility power.

This restructuring improves NEC^® usability by allowing Article 705 to carry a single, comprehensive framework for interconnected source system disconnect requirements, rather than repeating similar provisions in Article 690 and other articles.

Several specific deletions help support this transition. Section 690.13(A)(2) previously addressing safeguards for switch enclosure doors was removed because it repeated requirements already covered in 404.30. Since 404.30 applies to all disconnect switches no matter which system is supplying them, keeping similar text in 690.13 offered no practical benefit. The rating requirements and former list of acceptable PV disconnect types was also deleted since 705.20 already outlines device ratings and which devices are suitable. Warning label requirements indicating the potential shock hazard for line and load sides of the disconnect switch were deleted, as well since they are already covered in 705.20. Removing these repetitive items ensures that PV system disconnecting means are evaluated under the same set of rules applied to other interconnected power sources.

The 2026 revisions keep the core elements of PV system disconnecting means, including the requirement relocated to 690.13(A) that the PV system disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect the PV system conductors that are not solidly grounded from all conductors of other wiring systems. Also retained were the lockable-open provisions in 110.25, and the permanent “PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT” marking. The familiar six-disconnect limit still applies but was modified to point to 690.4(C) which allowed the deletion of the previous informational note. The intent of the deleted informational note is still valid: The six-disconnect allowance does not limit the number of PV systems connected to a service. This requirement allows up to six disconnecting means to disconnect a single PV system.

The 2026 NEC^® changes in 690.13 tighten the alignment of disconnect rules across different power sources and reduce repeated or conflicting text. By directing users to 705.20, the revised section makes it easier to apply a consistent set of requirements to all interconnected source system disconnecting means, including PV equipment, creating a clearer and more uniform path for applying the code across various system types.

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:

690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means. Means shall be provided to disconnect the PV system from all wiring systems including power systems, energy storage systems, and utilization equipment and its associated premises wiring.

(A) Location.

(1) Readily Accessible. The PV system disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location.

(2) Enclosure Doors and Covers. Where a disconnecting means for circuits operating above 30 volts is readily accessible to unqualified persons, an enclosure door or hinged cover that exposes energized parts when open shall have its door or cover locked or require a tool to be opened.

(B) Marking. Each PV system disconnecting means shall plainly indicate whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position and be permanently marked “PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT” or equivalent. Additional markings shall be permitted based upon the specific system configuration. For PV system disconnecting means where the line and load terminals may be energized in the open position, the device shall be marked with the following words or equivalent:

WARNING. ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION

(C) Maximum Number of Disconnects. Each PV system disconnecting means shall consist of not more than six switches or six sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, or in a group of separate enclosures…

(D) Ratings. See the actual NEC…

(E) Type of Disconnect. See the actual NEC…

2026 Code Language:

690.13 Photovoltaic System Disconnecting Means. PV system disconnecting means shall be installed in accordance with 705.20.

(A) Type of Disconnect. PV system disconnecting means shall simultaneously disconnect PV system conductors that are not solidly grounded from all conductors of other wiring systems.

N (B) Lockable Open. PV system disconnecting means or their remote operating devices or the enclosures providing access to the disconnecting means shall be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.

(C) Marking. Each PV system disconnecting means shall be permanently marked “PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT” or equivalent.

(D) Maximum Number of Disconnects. The disconnecting means for each PV system installed in accordance with 690.4(C) shall consist of not more than six switches or six sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure or in a group of separate enclosures…