In Philippine Electrical Code 2009 edition, the requirement for a service disconnecting means are only for multifamily dwellings. In Philippine Electrical Code 2017, it was changed to include single family dwellings as per Section 2.30.6 Service Equipment — Disconnecting Means.
2.30.6 Service Equipment — Disconnecting Means
2.30.6.1 General. Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the serviceentrance conductors.
(A) Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed in accordance with 2.30.6.1(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).
(1) Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
(2) Bathrooms. Service disconnecting means shall not be installed in bathrooms.
(3) Remote Control. Where a remote control device(s) is used to actuate the service disconnecting means, the service disconnecting means shall be located in accordance with 2.30.6.1(A)(1).
(B) Marking. Each service disconnect shall be permanently marked to identify it as a service disconnect.
(C) Suitable for Use. Each service disconnecting means shall be suitable for the prevailing conditions. Service equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations shall comply with the requirements of Articles 5.0 through 5.17.
In the Meralco franchise area, this requirement is already implemented.
A service disconnect is required to be installed for a building on the exterior of the building or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. In cases where the service entrance conductors leave the meter, penetrate the home, and go directly into the electrical panel, the main breaker within the electrical panel often serves as the main service disconnect required by 2.30.6. Where the service entrance conductors penetrate the home and do not terminate directly into the electrical panel, a main service disconnect mounted on the exterior of the home, prior to the service conductors entering the home, is necessary.