When is a disconnecting means considered a service disconnecting means?

A disconnecting means is classified as a service disconnecting means when it is specifically designed to disconnect power from the service entrance conductors to ensure safety and operability. For a disconnecting means to meet the requirements of a service disconnecting means, it must be capable of being operated with a power source, and it often includes features that enhance safety, such as being operable under load.

The characteristics of service disconnecting means often include that they are accessible, clearly labeled, and can interrupt the power supply safely in case of emergencies or maintenance. This is why the power-operable aspect is crucial; it indicates that the disconnect is not solely manual but can also handle automated or remotely operated functions, thus enhancing safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).

In contrast, the other options do not sufficiently define a service disconnecting means. Simply being manual does not encompass the full functionality required for safety and operability. Location influences the accessibility and use but does not define the disconnect itself. Being installed at a secondary panel, while potentially part of an electrical system, does not qualify as a service disconnecting means; that designation generally applies to the main disconnect at the service entrance, not subsequent panels.