What Is a Service Disconnect?
A service disconnect is a switch or circuit breaker that disconnects a building's electrical service from its wiring. It provides a central point for shutting off power supplied through the service. The disconnect may be part of an electrical panel or housed separately.
Quick Facts About Service Disconnect
- Category
- Electrical service equipment
- Used for
- Controlling incoming service power
- Common confusion
- Electric meter
- Also called
- Main Disconnect
- Often discussed with
- Electrical Panel Upgrade
Key Takeaways About Service Disconnect
- A service disconnect serves the building's electrical service, not a branch circuit.
- Its location depends on the electrical setup.
- A meter measures electricity use and isn't the disconnect.
How Service Disconnect Works
A service disconnect opens or closes the path for power entering the building's wiring. When the disconnect is off, it interrupts the supply to the equipment it serves. The handle shows whether the disconnect is in the on or off position.
Related glossary terms: Breaker Panel, Branch Circuit, Electrical Load.
A service disconnect may be located near the meter or within a breaker panel. A branch circuit breaker controls a smaller part of the wiring, such as a kitchen circuit. The service disconnect controls the incoming service supply.
The wiring on the utility side can remain energized when the disconnect is off. A building may also have another power source, such as a generator. Its connection depends on the building's electrical setup.
From the Earth Electric team
When we plan an electrical panel upgrade, we check where the service disconnect sits in the existing setup. We also look at how the service wiring connects to the panel. That helps us plan how the new panel will connect.
Service Disconnect in Practice: A Real-World Example
During a panel upgrade, a home has a service disconnect in a separate outdoor enclosure. The new panel connects to the existing service equipment as the electrical setup allows.
Related Services
Related Terms
Breaker Panel
A breaker panel is an electrical enclosure that distributes power to circuits in a building.
Branch Circuit
A branch circuit is an electrical circuit that runs from the final circuit breaker or fuse to the outlets or equipment it supplies.
Electrical Load
An electrical load is the demand for electrical power placed on a circuit or electrical system by connected equipment.
Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is an electrical device that changes a building's power source from utility service to a generator.
Earth Electric
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