Is it necessary for the disconnecting means installed in the feeder supplying a separate building or structure to be suitable for service equipment?

For installations supplying power to a separate building or structure, the disconnecting means does not need to be suitable for service equipment. This is because the feeder disconnecting means primarily serves as a means to safely disconnect the power to that building or structure, rather than functioning as main service equipment.

Typically, service equipment is required to handle the total load and be rated for service, including aspects such as ratings for overcurrent protection, voltage, and the ability to safely interrupt the fault current. However, in the case of a feeder supplying a different structure, the disconnecting means can be less stringent in its requirements. Therefore, it can be designed to be suitable for the specific loads and conditions of that separate building without needing to meet the full requirements of service equipment.

The focus is on ensuring safe operation and access, while still adhering to general safety standards in the installation process. Proper overcurrent protection and disconnecting means are essential, but they don't have to be service-rated. This flexibility helps when dealing with multiple structures that may have different requirements and operational conditions.