Main Disconnect Switch Height

No main disconnect switch in electrical panels with six or more breakers.

Main disconnect switch height.

The last thing you would want to do is look for a ladder in an electrical emergency when you need to switch off your main switch. The top of the disconnect switch is only 72 inches 6 feet above the floor. All answers based on unamended national electrical codes. More than two main disconnect switches in the main panel are required to turn off the panel presuming this is a main residential panel hosting more than 6 circuits total see next bullet.

Since the top of the panelboard is more than 6 1 2 feet above the floor the minimum working space height required for this panelboard is the height of the panelboard. The minimum working space height required for this disconnect switch is 6 1 2 feet see figure 1. If the six breaker rule is allowed locally the six switches must be together in. If you were to switch your main switch off then it will disconnect all the electricity to your house or business.

Another source of confusion has been in applying the requirements of 422 32 which pertained only to motor driven appliances and differed from those in 422 31. The 2011 nec clarifies that the branch circuit overcurrent device can serve as the disconnect for appliances if they are not over 300va or 1 8 hp 422 31 a. Its height is 84 inches 7 feet and the disconnect switch height is 72 inches 6 feet. Typical is 4 to 5 6 to the center of the meter.

That s why your main switch shall not be more than 2 meters above a ground floor or platform. Height of main disconnect the power company may have stricter rules regarding the acceptable mounting heights. So it makes sense that the height of your main switch is accessible without having to find a step ladder or chair to reach it.