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Under the 2026 NEC, where must the service disconnect of a one- or two-family dwelling be?

Outdoors, readily accessible, and it serves as the emergency disconnect.

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  1. Inside the garage only
  2. Readily accessible and outdoors ✔
  3. Inside the main bedroom

Why: The 2026 NEC 230.70(A)(1) requires an outdoor, readily accessible service disconnect for one- and two-family homes. It also doubles as the emergency disconnect.

Huh, didn't know that: Minnesota's 2026 guidance says utility-provided disconnects won't count as the emergency disconnect unless they meet 230.70.

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Why did the main breaker move outside? It needed some space.
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References

Answer: Readily accessible and outdoors. The 2026 NEC 230.70(A)(1) requires an outdoor, readily accessible service disconnect for one- and two-family homes. It also doubles as the emergency disconnect.

  1. EC&M: Top 25 Changes to the 2026 NEC ecmweb.com/national-electrical-code/article/55330438/top-25-changes-to-the-2026-national-electrical-code
    The service disconnect must be readily accessible and located outdoors.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. EC&M: Key Changes to the '26 NEC www.ecmweb.com/neca-show-coverage/article/55404442/key-changes-to-the-26-nec
    The service disconnect will also serve as the emergency disconnect.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Minnesota DLI: 2026 National Electrical Code FAQ www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/NECFAQ26.pdf
    Utility-provided disconnects will no longer be accepted as the emergency disconnect unless they comply with Section 230.70.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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