Code Change Summary: Code language was added to require a disconnecting means at the point where the feeder or branch circuit enters a sign pole or enclosure.

Previously, the 2011 NEC^® only required the disconnecting means for a sign to be within sight of the sign, or lockable in the off position. Now, the following applies:

• A disconnect switch is required where a feeder or branch circuit enters the sign pole or enclosure.
• The switch must disconnect all wiring where it enters the sign pole or enclosure.
• If the disconnect switch is still not within line of sight of any portion of the sign that can be energized, the switch must be lockable.

Sometimes a sign can have multiple sections. Large monument signs can often advertise several stores in one shopping plaza. Although not all that common, sometimes just having a disconnecting means on the sign pole or enclosure does not necessarily mean that all energized sign sections are within line of sight of the disconnect switch. For those installations, the disconnect switch must be lockable in accordance with 110.25.

An exception allows for branch circuits or feeders to pass through the sign enclosure without a disconnect switch if they are enclosed in a chapter 3 listed raceway. This will be helpful for large multi-section signs on the same pole that require multiple feeders or branch circuits. The feeder or branch circuit can be installed in a listed chapter 3 raceway, and pass through other sign sections to reach whatever sign section it supplies. From that point, just before the conductors enter their designated sign section, they terminate to a disconnecting means just for that sign 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 the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).