Firefighters and emergency responders have dangerous jobs, and electrical hazards can add to their risk. The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires single-family and two-family dwellings to have emergency disconnect switches installed outside the home. This way, first responders can shut off power to an entire home when a fire, flood, or disaster happens. Though it’s possible to use the main breakers to shut off power in an emergency, first responders must enter buildings to access them, which can lead to delays, destruction, and tragedy. Installing an external disconnect switch can limit damage and keep your home safe if things go wrong.
What Is a Disconnect Switch?
A disconnect switch, also called an external disconnect switch, is designed to stop electricity from flowing through a circuit. It can also cut off and isolate electrical circuits, appliances, and machinery from their power source and protect them from electrical surges.
Why Are Disconnect Switches Important?
Disconnect switches help keep people and property safe by controlling and isolating the flow of electricity through residential circuits. They minimize the chance of exposure to electrical hazards while providing homeowners and first responders with direct control over the electrical supply.
Why Should Sarasota Homeowners Install a Disconnect Switch?
In Sarasota, homeowners who make electrical upgrades or put in new wiring and components must install external disconnect switches to comply with NEC safety regulations. This ensures that the home’s electrical systems will meet current building codes and standards.
External disconnect switches are also essential during emergency situations when shutting down power is imperative. These switches can immediately reduce the chance of property damage, fire, injury, or fatality by cutting off the flow of electricity.
What Are the Benefits of an External Disconnect Switch?
In the past, Sarasota firefighters pulled meters to disconnect power, which exposed them to serious injury from shocks, power surges, sparks, and fires. Today, if no switch is available, emergency workers can contact electrical companies to disconnect the power, but this can cause costly delays.
If your home ever becomes unsafe and uninhabitable, disconnecting the electrical supply plays a key role in restoring order. External disconnect switches give first responders a standardized, accessible, and safe solution to cutting power when time is of the essence. They help contractors and other professionals efficiently perform inspection, maintenance, and repair work when their electrical systems are impacted by unforeseen events.
Do Sarasota Building Codes Require Disconnect Switches?
If you’re a Sarasota homeowner, installing an external disconnect switch can bring you up to date with the current building codes. Before 2020, NEC regulations required residences to have main circuit breakers in main electrical panels installed, but external disconnect switches were optional. With the change in code, these switches must be installed on exterior building walls or directly inside the main entrance. Since homeowners have different needs, manufacturers offer switches with a variety of enclosures and safety features to choose from.
The 2020 NEC code change that requires all new one- and two-family dwellings to have external disconnect switches installed also applies to any home that needs electrical system upgrades. For instance, if you’re adding new circuits to accommodate power-hungry appliances, installing two external disconnect switches may let you isolate power to specific areas of your electrical system, depending on the installation. If you’re renovating your home and you want to move from a 60-amp service to a more powerful 100-amp or 200-amp service, you will need to include an external disconnect switch in your improvement plans.
Do Inspectors Look for Disconnect Switches?
Inspectors frown upon homeowners who make electrical system upgrades without installing external disconnect switches, so installing a switch now can prevent future issues. Lenders frequently require inspections when people sell or refinance their property. Homes that lack external disconnect switches could fail inspections, leading to increased costs and hassle for their owners.
Can Sarasota Homeowners Install Disconnect Switches Themselves?
While it’s typically not illegal for Sarasota homeowners to do electrical work on their own homes, installing a disconnect switch without professional training is not recommended. Licensed and certified electricians can ensure that your installation is safe, secure, functional, and compliant with regulations. Homeowners should also check permitting requirements before doing any electrical work. Furthermore, if you wish to sell your house in the future, your residential electrical system must comply with Sarasota building codes to pass inspection. Hiring a professional to install your external disconnect switch and check your wiring can save you from huge headaches down the road.
Bring Your Home up to Date With a Disconnect Switch
The pros at Mister Sparky know that maintaining your electrical system is key to keeping your home safe. Installing an external disconnect switch today can give you peace of mind and protect the value of your home for the future. Give us a call, and we’ll get your electrical needs sorted!