Article 230 — Services

Article 230 is about everything from the utility connection to the service disconnect: overhead service drops and underground laterals, the service-entrance conductors, the meter, and the main disconnecting means. Because service conductors are only protected by the utility transformer fuse, the article is strict about physical protection, clearances, and keeping the service out of unrelated spaces.

It caps the number of disconnects grouped together and requires the main to be readily accessible and clearly marked. Recent editions added an emergency disconnect at dwellings so first responders can cut power from outside.

When it applies

Article 230 covers the service, everything from the utility's conductors through the service equipment up to the main disconnect. Where the service ends and branch-circuit and feeder rules begin is a line this article draws carefully.

Common mistakes

• Running too many service disconnects and blowing past the allowed grouping. The main means of disconnect has to be clear and grouped.
• Tapping loads ahead of the service disconnect where there is no overcurrent protection.
• Forgetting service conductors have limited overcurrent protection, so they need physical protection and short runs inside the building.

In the field

I did a commercial service upgrade where the old install had five separate switches and no clear main. Nobody could kill the whole building fast in an emergency. The Code wants the service disconnect grouped and obvious. I consolidated to a single main disconnect at the entrance. When the fire department shows up, they need one handle to pull, not a scavenger hunt.