Code Change Summary: A new code section provides rules to assist first responders looking for a remote sign disconnect.

Disconnect switches for signs provide a way for the sign electrician to kill power to the sign in order to perform maintenance. In the 2020 NEC^®, a revised informational note under 600.6 recognizes that the sign disconnect is also for the first responder. As stated in the informational note, “the location of the disconnect is intended to allow service or maintenance personnel and first responders complete and local control of the disconnecting means”.

For the last three code cycles, changes have occurred to the requirements for sign disconnects. In the 2014 NEC^®, it was made clear that a disconnect was required at the point where the feeder or branch circuit supplying a sign enters a sign enclosure or pole. In the 2017 NEC^®, a proposal was accepted to allow an exception for large scale signs that are equipped with internal panelboards. Sometimes these large signs may have 400 amp or larger panelboards inside the sign body and it can be difficult to apply the previous code requirements to these large signs.

In the 2020 NEC^®, 600.6(A)(4) was added and provides specific labeling requirements so that a first responder looking for the sign or outline lighting system disconnect can be quickly directed to its location if it happens to be installed remotely.

Trying to apply the different disconnection rules for signs and outline lighting systems can be confusing. Below is a basic summary of the requirements:

1. A disconnect is required at the point where the feeder circuit or branch circuit(s) supplying a sign or outline lighting system enters a sign enclosure, a sign body, or a pole. The disconnect shall open all ungrounded conductors where it enters the enclosure of the sign or pole. Keep in mind, for larger signs, this required disconnect might not actually be visible to the electrician on a ladder servicing the sign letters. This is addressed in item 2 below.
2. A disconnect is required within sight of the sign or outline lighting system that it controls. Where the disconnecting means is out of the line of sight from any section that can be energized, the disconnecting means must be lockable in accordance with 110.25. A permanent field-applied marking identifying the location of the disconnecting means must be applied to the sign in a location visible during servicing. This rule intends to address all types of sign configurations to make sure that no matter where the sign electrician or first responder is standing (in relation to the sign), the sign or outline lighting system disconnect is visible and not more than 50 feet from the sign or outline lighting system. For unique installations where this is not possible and the disconnecting means is out of the line of sight from an energized section, the disconnecting means must be lockable in accordance with 110.25.
3. For signs or outline lighting systems operated by electronic or electromechanical controllers located external to the sign or outline lighting system, the following three rules apply:
   • The disconnecting means must be located within sight of the controller or in the same enclosure as the controller.
   • The disconnecting means must disconnect the sign or outline lighting system and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors.
   • The disconnecting means must be designed so that no pole can be operated independently and must be lockable in accordance with 110.25.

Exception: Where the disconnecting means is not located within sight of the controller, a permanent field-applied marking identifying the location of the disconnecting means must be applied to the controller in a location visible during servicing. The warning label must comply with 110.21(B).

4. If the disconnecting means is located remote from the sign, sign body, or pole, it must be mounted at an accessible location available to first responders and service personnel. The location of the disconnect must be marked with a label at the sign location and marked as the disconnect for the sign or outline lighting system. The label must comply with 110.21(B).

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 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.