225.36 Service Disconnect Type.

This is suitable only for use as service equipment which means the neutral and grounding terminals are bonded together at the factory. Could this be used on a new feeder installation to an outbuilding downstream of the service disconnect?
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This is suitable only for use as service equipment which means the neutral and grounding terminals are bonded together at the factory. Could this be used on a new feeder installation to an outbuilding downstream of the service disconnect?

Code Change Summary: New code language relaxes the requirement for outdoor branch circuit and feeder disconnects to be listed as “suitable for use as service equipment”. In addition, an exception was deleted that allowed 3-way and 4-way switches to be used as a disconnecting means for garages and outbuildings on residential property.

Previous code language required all outdoor branch circuit and feeder disconnects to be suitable for use as service equipment (SUSE). Equipment listed as SUSE has a provision for bonding the grounded neutral conductor of the feeder to the disconnect enclosure at the load end of the outdoor feeder. This practice of bonding the grounded neutral conductor to equipment grounding conductors and the metal disconnect enclosure downstream of the service disconnect has not been allowed for many code cycles (other than for existing installations that comply with 250.32(B)(1) exceptions).

Since the NEC® does not allow joining grounded conductors to equipment grounding conductors downstream of the service, there is no need for a new feeder disconnect at a remote building or structure to be SUSE rated.

Also, the exception was deleted. Now snap switches, 3-way and 4-way switches cannot be used as a disconnecting means for residential garages or outbuildings.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code Language:

225.36 Suitable for Service Equipment. The disconnecting means specified in 225.31 shall be suitable for use as service equipment.

Exception: For garages and outbuildings on residential property, a snap switch or a set of 3-way or 4-way snap switches shall be permitted as the disconnecting means.

2014 Code Language:

225.36 Type. The disconnecting means specified in 225.31 shall be comprised of a circuit breaker, molded case switch, general-use switch, snap switch, or other approved means. Where applied in accordance with 250.32(B), Exception No. 1, the disconnecting means shall be suitable for use as service equipment.

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225.36 Service Disconnect Type.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of a new feeder installation which supplies a disconnecting means on a new outbuilding?

A: It must be suitable for use as service equipment.
B: It is NOT required to be suitable for use as service equipment.
C: The busbar for the grounded conductor must have continuity with the metal enclosure.
D: The grounded feeder conductor must be connected to the equipment grounding busbar in the new disconnect switch.
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