Change Summary

• The title of this section has been changed from “Suitable for Service Equipment” to “Types”
• The types of acceptable disconnects are provided in addition to other disconnecting means that are approved
• Generally, the disconnecting means no longer has to be suitable for use as service equipment unless installed to meet the provisions in 250.32(B) Exception

Expert Analysis

The revision in 225.36 this cycle removes the exception that allowed 3-way and 4-way switches for residential disconnects on outbuildings and garages.  This revision also expands the provisions to all occupancies, not just residential occupancies.  The substantiation indicated the intention of disallowing three-way switch loops is clear because they do not disconnect all ungrounded conductors.  This revision also removes the suitable for use as service equipment (SUSE) requirement, which involves greater internal spacing, grounding provisions, and so forth. These are only justified in instances where there is a true service exposure, with no overcurrent protection ahead of the equipment.  The principal wiring difference for SUSE ratings is that identified in the original 2011 NEC proposal 4-46, namely, that a re-grounding provision must be incorporated.  The requirements in 225.38 can be satisfied using a snap switch equipped with the requisite poles provided on the device.  Therefore, the exception to 225.38 has also been deleted because its only purpose was to allow 3-way and 4-way switch loops.