Mike Dolt Enterprises Logo Mike Dolt Enterprises

Topic: Manufactured HUD Home Disconnect Question

User: wilsonballew, Location: Colorado

Asked on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 9:01 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:18 pm EDT

Question: Hello All - I am installing a new manufactured HUD home on my property. The main service meter is a pedestal setup that is about 130 feet from where the home will be placed. We ran underground direct bury wire from the meter pedestal to an emergency disconnect [not attached to the home but about 20 feet from the home on a pole mount] and then continued underground from the emergency disconnect to a point where the cable will enter under the home and feed into the main panel. We had a partial rough inspection today and the inspector noted:1) Feeder disconnect means at new modular will need to be followed per NEC 2023 article 225.31(A)(B)2) Feeders will need to remain 18" underground in a conduit before turning up into new modular nearest point of entrance of the conductors or install a disconnect on the exterior of the dwelling.Feeder conductors will be considered outside of the building unless one of the following conditions are met per NEC 2023 article 230.6 (1-5).Do I understand correctly for number (1) the feeder disconnect can be the main breaker in the main panel inside the home?Regarding number (2), I am unclear about installing an exterior disconnect on the building and how that mitigates the need to run the cable under the home buried 18" deep in conduit. I was always planning on running the conduit from the entry point under the home to the main panel conduit connection but I was not planning on burying the conduit; if I understand the instructions, I must bury the conduit if I don't have an exterior disconnect and if I do have an exterior disconnect, I don't need to bury the conduit?Inspector also noted will need a surge protection device - I guess this is something I missed in the 2023 NEC [used in Colorado]. This is a brand new manufactured home and I don't know if it will come from the factory with surge protection built-in to the main panel [home not delivered yet].Thanks for any clarification.

Okay, let's break down these inspection notes and clarify what you need to do to comply with the 2023 NEC.

Understanding the Inspection Notes Note 1: Feeder Disconnect per NEC 2023 Article 225.31(A)(B) Yes, you are likely correct. NEC 225.31 requires a readily accessible disconnecting means for the feeder conductors. This disconnect must be located at the building or structure supplied by the feeder. (A) Location

The disconnect must be at a readily accessible location either outside of the building or structure, or inside nearest the point of entrance of the feeder conductors.


(B) Type

The disconnect can be a circuit breaker or a switch.

Your Interpretation

The main breaker in your manufactured home's main panel
can serve as this feeder disconnect if it is located nearest the point of entrance of the feeder conductors. That is likely what the inspector is looking for.

Note 2: Feeder Burial Depth and Exterior Disconnect per NEC 2023 Article 230.6 (1-5)
This is the trickier part. The inspector is concerned about how the underground feeder enters the home. NEC 230.6 addresses conductors considered outside of the building. Without meeting one of the five conditions in 230.6, the feeder conductors are considered outside of the building (and therefore you must bury the conduit). Understanding 230.6 and the "Outside" Conductor Rule

The basic idea is that once service/feeder conductors enter a building, they need to be protected from physical damage (hence the conduit requirement). The code makes exceptions for certain conditions in 230.6 (1-5) that essentially keep the conductors "outside" the building even though they are physically under it:1.

Under 2 Inches of Concrete or Brick

This isn't applicable in your case, as you're not encasing the wire in concrete or brick.2.

Under a Building

This is the important one for you. If the underground feeder is under the building (meaning underneath the structure's footprint) it can remain "outside" the building IF you meet the depth requirement of 18" underground in conduit.3.

Encased in 4 Inches of Concrete

Similar to #1, but more concrete.4.

In a Raceway Under 18 Inches of Concrete

This allows for shallower burial if the raceway is protected by a significant concrete layer.5.

Located in a Raceway Below Grade

Essentially, buried deep enough.

Without an Exterior Disconnect

If you bring the underground feeder directly into the home (without an exterior disconnect), the inspector considers the feeder as entering the building before the main panel. Therefore, the underground section must be buried at least 18 inches deep in conduit because the underground portion is considered "under" the building, making 230.6(2) apply.


With an Exterior Disconnect

If you install a disconnect on the exterior of the manufactured home, you're essentially establishing a "service point" before the conductors enter the dwelling. By doing this, the conductors from the exterior disconnect to the main panel inside the home are now considered "internal wiring" rather than "outside" feeder wiring. This eliminates the 18-inch burial depth requirement.

Your Conduit Plan

If you install an exterior disconnect, you do
not have to bury the conduit under the home. You can run it exposed along the undercarriage to the main panel connection point. However, the conduit must be securely fastened and protected from physical damage as required by the NEC.

Surge Protection Device (SPD)
NEC 2023 Requirement

Yes, surge protection devices are required in many situations under the 2023 NEC. The specific requirements vary depending on the application and voltage.


Manufactured Home

It's possible that your new manufactured home will come with surge protection already installed in the panelboard. However, do not assume this. Check the manufacturer's specifications or contact them directly to confirm.

If Not Included

If your home does not have an SPD, you will need to install one. Typically, this is a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD installed at the main panel.

Recommendations & Clarifications
1. Exterior Disconnect: The Easier Option The most practical solution is likely to install a disconnect switch or breaker on the exterior of the manufactured home, near where the underground cable enters. Benefits

Eliminates the need to bury the conduit under the home at 18 inches deep. Provides a readily accessible disconnect point for emergency situations.

Requirements

The exterior disconnect must be in a suitable enclosure rated for outdoor use (NEMA 3R or better).2.

Main Panel as Disconnect
Confirm with the inspector that they accept the main breaker in the panel as the feeder disconnect. To satisfy them, ensure the main breaker is clearly labeled as the "Feeder Disconnect." It will need to be readily accessible and located near the point the cable enters the home.3. Conduit Protection Under the Home If you opt for the exterior disconnect and don't bury the conduit, you must protect the conduit from physical damage. This means securing it properly and using appropriate conduit fittings. Schedule 80 PVC conduit is a more robust choice, or you could consider metallic conduit for added protection.4. Surge Protection Device (SPD) Confirm with the Manufacturer

Contact the manufactured home company
immediately to confirm if the home is equipped with an SPD.

Installation

If not included, plan to install a Type 1 or Type 2 SPD at the main panel. Consult with a qualified electrician to determine the appropriate SPD for your system and to ensure proper installation.5.

Review NEC Articles
* Read NEC 225.31, NEC 230.6, and NEC 230.85 for complete understanding.

Next Steps1. Clarify with the Inspector

Talk to the inspector to clarify exactly what they are looking for and confirm that the exterior disconnect solution will satisfy their requirements. Ask if they have specific preferences for the type of exterior disconnect.2.

Contact the Home Manufacturer

Inquire about surge protection and obtain any relevant electrical drawings or specifications for the home.3.

Consult with a Qualified Electrician:
Hire a licensed and experienced electrician to perform the work, especially the surge protection device installation. This ensures compliance with the NEC and local codes. The electrician can also help you select the correct exterior disconnect and ensure proper wiring and grounding.By addressing these points and working with the inspector and a qualified electrician, you should be able to resolve the issues and successfully complete the electrical installation for your manufactured home. Flag for review

Previous Question Next Question