NEC 2020 Code Updates: What They Mean for Milbank Products and for Our Distribution Partners

The adoption of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduced significant changes that directly impact the design, labeling, and construction of service equipment across the electrical industry.

These updates were driven by enhanced safety requirements, improved access for first responders, and more defined compartmentalization of energized components.
For distributors, these changes present both opportunity and complexity.

At Milbank, we have taken a proactive, engineering-led approach to aligning our product portfolio with NEC 2020 requirements. Our focus remains clear: delivering compliant, field-ready solutions that simplify specification, ordering, and installation for our distribution partners.

Here, we’ve outlined the key NEC 2020 updates affecting Milbank products and details the solutions we have implemented to ensure compliance, safety, and continued product reliability.
 

Industry Context: NEC 2020 Adoption

The NEC 2020 revisions impact service equipment used in residential and light commercial applications nationwide. While adoption varies by state and local jurisdiction, many markets have already implemented or are in the process of adopting the 2020 code cycle.

Because utility specifications and inspection requirements can vary, distributors should continue to confirm local serving utility requirements prior to ordering or installation.
Milbank remains aligned with evolving code enforcement across jurisdictions and continues to support our partners as adoption expands.
 

Relevant Code Change No. 1 | Emergency Disconnect - NEC 230.85

Section 230.85 requires that one- and two-family dwellings include an outdoor, readily accessible emergency disconnect. If multiple disconnects are provided, they must be grouped and properly marked.

Disconnects must be labeled as one of the following:

• EMERGENCY DISCONNECT, SERVICE DISCONNECT
• EMERGENCY DISCONNECT, METER DISCONNECT, NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT
• EMERGENCY DISCONNECT, NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT

The intent is to enable first responders to disconnect power quickly in emergency situations without waiting for utility intervention.
 

Milbank’s Response

Milbank has fully implemented Section 230.85(1) labeling requirements across all applicable meter main products.

• All Milbank meter mains are marked in accordance with NEC 230.85(1)
• Emergency disconnect labeling has been standardized across compliant products
• No field modifications are required

For distributors, this means:

• Reduced compliance uncertainty
• Simplified specification and ordering
• Increased confidence when serving jurisdictions enforcing NEC 2020

Milbank meter mains are 100% compliant with Section 230.85 (1).
 

Relevant Code Change No. 2 | Service Equipment (Enclosed or Guarded) - NEC 230.62(A), (B), and (C)

Section 230.62 strengthens requirements related to inadvertent contact with energized parts within service equipment.
Key updates include:

• Energized parts must be enclosed or guarded
• Barriers must prevent exposure to uninsulated, ungrounded service busbars or terminals
• Guarded installations must include provisions for locking or sealing

The goal is to significantly reduce risk during servicing of load terminations.
 

Engineering Implications

Unlike labeling changes, compliance with Section 230.62 often requires structural redesign, including:

• Addition of plastic insulators and barriers
• Internal sheet metal modifications
• Formed insulator integration
• Factory process changes
• Potential product size adjustments

Some changes require verification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
 

Milbank’s Solutions

Milbank has implemented multiple compliance strategies across affected product lines.
Breaker-Fed Designs:

• Breaker set screws filled with compliant plugs
• Modified wire insulation stripping processes
• Complete isolation of line-side live parts

Aluminum Bus Designs:

• Molded plastic snap-in bus barriers
• Secondary snap-in barrier at center opening
• Full isolation of exposed bus sections

Large Frame Breaker Designs:

• Added Formex™ insulators covering live parts
• Extended sheet metal barriers beneath deadfront
• Raceway opening coverage where required

These solutions are engineered to:

• Maintain product reliability
• Minimize dimensional disruption where possible
• Support compliance without sacrificing installation efficiency

For distributors, this ensures continuity of product availability while meeting evolving safety standards.
 

Relevant Code Change No. 3 | Two to Six Service Disconnecting Means - NEC 230.71(B)

Section 230.71(B) modifies requirements for multi-disconnect installations. Disconnecting means must now be installed within separate compartments, each isolated to prevent incidental contact when servicing adjacent sections.
Acceptable configurations include:

• Separate enclosures
• Panelboards with individual main disconnects
• Switchboards with separated vertical sections
• Metering centers with isolated compartments

The emphasis is on physical compartmentalization and barrier separation.
 

Milbank’s Implementation

Milbank horizontal meter mains now include:

• Full-depth sheet metal dividers
• Front-to-back compartment isolation
• Individual service disconnect separation

These changes ensure:

• Code-compliant compartmentalization
• Safer servicing conditions
• Alignment with UL 67 requirements for metering centers

What This Means for Distributors

NEC 2020 introduces higher safety standards and more defined structural requirements. For distributors, this translates into:

• Increased customer education needs
• More complex product selection considerations
• Greater emphasis on verified compliance

Milbank has invested in:

• Engineering redesign
• Manufacturing process enhancements
• Updated labeling
• NRTL validation where required

Our objective is to reduce friction for our distribution partners by delivering compliant, clearly marked, and inspection-ready solutions.
 

Utility and Jurisdiction Considerations

While Milbank products are designed to meet NEC 2020 requirements, distributors should continue to consult:

• Local serving utilities
• Local electrical inspectors
• Jurisdictional adoption schedules

Specifications and approvals vary by region and may require additional verification.
For project-specific questions or regional approvals, contact your local Milbank sales representative.
 

The Bottom Line

The NEC 2020 updates represent a meaningful shift in service equipment safety and design. Rather than reacting to code changes, Milbank has taken a proactive approach, integrating compliant labeling, engineered barriers, structural compartmentalization, and NRTL validation into our product portfolio.
For our distribution partners, this means:

• Reliable, code-aligned inventory
• Reduced compliance risk
• Simplified specification support
• Continued trust in Milbank engineering

Milbank remains committed to supporting distributors with NEC-compliant solutions and technical expertise.