You're asking a very pertinent question about the applicability of NEC 230.82 to emergency lighting loads served by Article 700 systems. Here's a breakdown of the issues and considerations

Understanding NEC 230.82 (2023):

This section addresses the allowance of specific equipment to be connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means. In the 2023 NEC, the allowed equipment is: Grounding and Bonding Equipment Supply Side Overvoltage Protection Devices Meter Disconnect Switch (per 230.71(B)) Current Transformers (CTs)The Crux of the Question

Your question revolves around whether emergency lighting (typically governed by Article 700) can be connected ahead of the service disconnect per 230.82. The implication is that this emergency lighting would be powered even when the main service disconnect is opened.

The Challenge and Why It's Problematic



Conflict with Essential Control

Connecting emergency lighting ahead of the service disconnect effectively bypasses a key level of control. In a normal situation, the emergency system should operate independently of the normal power source. If the normal power fails, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) or similar device would switch the emergency loads to an alternate power source (generator, battery, etc.). The NEC intentionally requires that you be able to de-energize the system at the service disconnect.

Safety Concerns

The primary reason for having a service disconnect is to completely de-energize the entire electrical system for maintenance, repairs, or emergency situations. Having powered emergency lighting ahead of the disconnect defeats this purpose and creates a potential shock hazard.

Article 700 Intent

Article 700 prioritizes reliability and the automatic availability of power during emergencies, but it doesn't necessarily endorse compromising the ability to de-energize the entire service.

No specific accommodation

Section 230.82 does not include emergency lighting as an allowable connection.

Why the 2017 Handbook Commentary Might Be Misleading

Handbook commentaries are interpretations and explanations—they are not the NEC itself. While a previous handbook might have offered a commentary that seemed to permit this, that interpretation doesn't carry the weight of code language. In this case, the 2023 handbook does not have that commentary and implies that emergency lighting should not be connected.

Key Takeaways


230.82 Does Not Permit

The 2023 NEC Section 230.82 specifically does not list emergency lighting as an acceptable load to connect on the supply side of the service disconnecting means.2.

Safety and Control

Connecting emergency lighting ahead of the service disconnect creates significant safety issues by preventing the ability to fully de-energize the electrical system, and compromises basic control requirements.3.

Consult with the AHJ

Always consult with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific interpretations and acceptance of your design. They have the final say.

In conclusion, based on the 2023 NEC and accepted safety practices, emergency lighting systems, even those covered under Article 700, should generally not be connected on the supply side of the service disconnecting means per 230.82. Flag for review