Whether performing electrical installations or responding to emergencies, those entering buildings must have a way to disconnect the power supply. Intentionally interrupting the flow of electricity eliminates the risk of electrocution, electric shock, and electrical fires. Whether your Miami home has a circuit breaker box or a fuse box, you can use this overload protection device (OPD) to turn off individual circuit breakers or cut power to the entire building. However, pulling fuse blocks and shutting off main breakers isn’t the safest or most efficient way to get the job done. According to the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), all new construction must have an external disconnect switch. At Mister Sparky, we’re sharing several reasons to install one in your home.
Circuit Breaker Boxes Aren’t Always Easy to Access
Fuse boxes and circuit breaker boxes are rarely in easy-to-access locations. These OPDs are often in basements, crawlspaces, or utility closets. If there’s an active electrical hazard or emergency in your home, firefighters, repair technicians, or other professionals will have to enter a remote area to shut off your power.
Electricians Install Disconnect Switches Outdoors
As per the 2020 NEC, disconnect switches must be on the outside of buildings or just inside their primary entrances. Also known as electrical safety switches, disconnect switches are frequently installed just above electrical meters. This eliminates the need to enter potentially dangerous conditions to find and use fuse boxes or circuit breakers. Technicians and first responders can turn the power off before setting foot inside your home.
Circuit Breakers Aren’t Built for Repeated Use
Disconnect switches serve the same function as main breakers and fuse blocks. When you pull a fuse block or deactivate a main breaker, you’ll interrupt the flow of electricity to all circuits. However, homeowners are advised against using main breakers and fuse blocks for power disconnection unless absolutely necessary. These features aren’t built for repeated use. Flipping main breakers or pulling fuse blocks too often can significantly shorten their lifespans.
You Can Safely Use a Disconnect Switch on a Regular Basis
Disconnect switches are hardly new to electrical installations. Long before the NEC required disconnect switches in residential construction, these features were mandatory installations in many commercial and industrial environments. Companies regularly use disconnect switches to shut off all power before team members leave or to fully shut down major equipment. You can use a disconnect switch with the frequency of a light switch without causing undue wear.
Emergency First Responders Are No Longer Turning Power Off at Meters
For many years, firefighters and other first responders disconnected power at electrical meters before entering buildings. This was deemed far safer than entering homes and searching for electrical panels. However, first responders are increasingly moving away from this practice. Instead, they’re being trained to look for and use disconnect switches. Having a disconnect switch on the exterior of your home will make it much easier for these professionals to give residents the urgent help they need.
You Can Customize Electrical Disconnection With a Disconnect Switch
Disconnect switches are adaptable. Unlike a fuse block or main breaker, you can use a disconnect switch to selectively turn off power in one or more building areas. For instance, if your HVAC technician is repairing or replacing your outdoor condenser unit, they can use your disconnect switch to interrupt power to this hardwired appliance only.
Disconnect switches might seem like redundant installations, but they enhance the electrical safety of homes and make life easier for technicians, first responders, and homeowners. To find out more about disconnect switches or schedule installation, get in touch with Mister Sparky today!