Why Do I Need a Disconnect Switch in Florida?
With an emphasis on risk reduction for firefighters, the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the installation of disconnect switches at building exteriors. This requirement applies to all new one and two-family dwellings throughout the United States. While many Florida homes have main breakers for emergency shut-off, first responders cannot access them without entering buildings.
Although firefighters pulled meters to disconnect power supplies in the past, external disconnect switches give them access to uniform equipment in easily identifiable locations. If you own a house in Florida, installing an exterior disconnect switch will bring your property on par with the latest building codes.
The Benefits of an External Disconnect Switch
Throughout Florida and much of the United States, firefighters no longer pull meters to disconnect power. Doing so is deemed both unreliable and unsafe. Instead, they contact electrical companies who then disconnect the electricity for them. Although this poses little issue when firefighters are actively fighting flames, it can create significant delays when waiting for fire chiefs to deem homes safe for reentry.
Whether your home is flooded, has had a recent fire, or has any other issue impacting its safety and habitability, turning the electrical supply off is the first step that all contractors and first responders must take. An external disconnect switch offers greater accessibility and keeps repairs, inspections, and essential interventions moving forward. Emergency disconnect switches allow for the safe maintenance, repair, and inspection of electrical systems and buildings with electrical systems impacted by floods, fires, or other events. Learn common signs you need to replace your circuit breakers in your home.
Home Inspectors Check for External Disconnect Switches
As per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), prior to 2020, the NEC did not require any emergency disconnect switches in residential buildings apart from main circuit breakers in main electrical panels. Now, however, these service additions must be present either at the exterior of buildings or inside at the nearest points of entry for service conductors. Failing to meet this requirement could cause your home to fail lender-required inspections. Whether you choose to sell your Florida home in the future or refinance it, having an exterior service disconnect switch installed now will stave off inspection-related problems.
Upgrading the Electrical System in Your Florida Home
The 2020 NEC requirement for external disconnect switches applies to all new one and two-family dwellings, but it also applies to all homes that have upgraded their electrical systems. Thus, if you choose to upgrade from 60-amp service to 100-amp or 200-amp service, you’ll need to have an external disconnect installed. Evidence of newly upgraded electrical service in homes that lack external disconnect switches is a red flag for home inspectors. Learn the difference between circuit breakers and fuse boxes in your home.