Building Code Glossary
Disconnecting Means: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define disconnecting means, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Disconnecting means is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Services (IRC 2009), Appliance Installation (IRC 2009), Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Disconnecting Means — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Disconnecting Means is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.
Where disconnecting means is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Services | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Appliance Installation | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about disconnecting means, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
Switches and circuit breakers used as a disconnecting means shall be of the indicating type.
The receptacle outlet shall not be connected to the load side of the HVAC equipment disconnecting means.
The terms disconnecting means is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what disconnecting means covers:
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Disconnecting Means: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Services (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Appliance Installation (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of disconnecting means?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on disconnecting means?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Services in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What do electricians call disconnecting means?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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