Tom you bring up a good point.

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Do we install a disconnecting means at a front yard pole light? Do parking lots have disconnects on their individual light poles?

No we do not install disconnects at each pole but they are still required to have disconnecting means. [Linked Image]

There is an exception that allows the required disconnecting means to be located elsewhere.

2002 NEC
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225.32Exception No. 3: For towers or poles used as lighting standards, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.

And another for signs.

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225.32Exception No. 4: For poles or similar structures used only for support of signs installed in accordance with Article 600, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.

IMO you would need an exception in 230.70 similar to the above exceptions for feeders to exempt the meter pedestal from the 230.70 requirements.

OR you have an AHJ that reads it differently. [Linked Image]

Services are installed in many different ways across the country all from the same NEC. [Linked Image]

The one on my house is typical here but would not pass in CA, and a CA service would not pass here. [Linked Image]

Bob

Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts