Understanding National Electric Code Requirements
for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facility Disconnects
Article 514 in the National Electric Code (NEC) provides requirements for the safe installation of wiring and equipment
for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities. The provisions for emergency action controls in NEC 514.11 provide the necessary means
to safely remove power to the facility during an emergency event. The service or maintenance requirements in NEC 514.13
allow for safe maintenance of individual dispensing units. The removal of all potential electrical ignition sources includes all
conductors for any circuits leading to or through dispensing equipment, including grounded conductors. What about other
circuits such as audio, video, data, and communications?
Prior to the 2011 Edition of the NEC, low voltage and power limiting circuits were not specifically stated and could easily be
left up to interpretation since these types of circuits are Class 2 circuits. In the 2011, NEC both sections 514.11 and 514.13 were
revised to specifically state that each dispensing device must have a means to remove all external voltage sources regardless
of type.
For quick reference, the changes to both sections can be seen underlined below:
Article 514.11 - Circuit Disconnects.
(A) General. Each circuit leading to or through dispensing equipment, including all associated power, communications, data
and video circuits, and equipment for remote pumping systems, shall be provided with a clearly identified and readily accessible
switch or other approved means, located remote from the dispensing devices, to disconnect simultaneously from the source of
supply, all conductors of the circuits, including the grounded conductor, if any.
Single-pole breakers utilizing handle ties shall not be permitted.
Article 514.13 - Provisions for Maintenance and Service of Dispensing Equipment.
Each dispensing device shall be provided with a means to remove all external voltage sources, including power,
communications, data and video circuits, and including feedback, during periods of maintenance and service of the dispensing
equipment. The location of this means shall be permitted to be other than inside or adjacent to the dispensing device. The
means shall be capable of being locked in the open position.
With these revisions, Schneider Electric has designed the
new Low Voltage Dispenser Disconnect (LVDD) solution which
complies with Articles 514.11 & 514.13 of the 2011 Edition
of the NEC. Listed below are several key design features that
address the electrical requirements found in Article 514 of
the 2011 NEC.
Individual Disconnects for each Dispenser
Individual switches used to isolated lower voltages for
communications, data and video circuits for maintenance
and servicing purposes, but are also wired into the
emergency shutdown system
Enclosure Design
Locking provisions for Lockout-Tagout requirements
during maintenance and service.
Typical Solution for up to 4 Individual Dispensers
Certification/Testing
Designed, manufactured and tested under current
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) codes and standards
UL Listed - UL 1238 Control Equipment for Use with
Flammable Liquid Dispensing Devices
With our customers safety in mind, our goal is to drive awareness of these
safety requirements set in place by the electrical industry.
For more information about the Low Voltage Dispenser Disconnect from
Square IPaCS contact you local Square D office, Square D IPaCS at
1-800-868-9662 or visit our website at: www.schneider-electric.us/go/ipacs
Individual Lockable Enclosure for
Low Voltages Dispenser Disconnect