--- description: An AC disconnect switch is like a safety feature or button that is required for your HVAC unit or solar panel system. title: What is AC Disconnect Switch? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is AC Disconnect Switch? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![JAN23 What is AC Disconnect Switch](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch-1024x683.jpg "What is AC Disconnect Switch?") An AC disconnect switch is like a **safety feature or button that is required for your HVAC unit** or solar panel system. It’s a rule made by the National Electrical Code that states it is compulsory to use during installation work, repairing/replacement purposes, or maintaining your HVAC unit. It is a feature that ensures your electric system operates correctly, preventing any sort of mishappenings. This switch also plays a crucial role in keeping the solar inverter and the main grid separate. ### **Where Should You Install Disconnect Switch?** Most building codes in the US strongly recommend these AC disconnect switches for safety as they make sure your electrician can safely operate your air conditioning system by disconnecting all power. These switches are required when they need to fix or maintain your system. If your HVAC unit does not include any such switches, you can always ask your electrician to add them. The switch has to be placed close to the AC unit so that no one turns it on accidentally while a technician is working on it, which could be dangerous for both the system and the person operating it. Typically, this **switch is installed on the wall and it serves as a barrier between the inverter and the electric meter.** However, it can either be a standalone switch or a breaker located within the electrical panel. It is important to ensure proper installation of AC disconnects as it maintains a safe home environment and enables swift power shutdown when required. **Also Read:** [What is Low Voltage Disconnect?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-low-voltage-disconnect/) ### **How to Size DC Switches?** Choosing the correct disconnect size for a photovoltaic system is crucial. It depends on parameters like system voltage, load of the circuit, [breaker size](https://learnmetrics.com/sizing-a-circuit-breaker-breaker-size-calculator/#:~:text=Standard%20breaker%20sizes%20are%2015A,4000A%2C%205000A%2C%20and%206000A.), cables, and wiring. These elements collectively find the load size of the system, helping your choice of disconnect size. Generally, the **disconnect sizes range from 30 to 800 amps,** so careful planning and system design are crucial for overall safety and optimal operation. **Recommended:** [What is DC Disconnect?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-dc-disconnect/) Share. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F "Share on Facebook") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F&text=What%20is%20AC%20Disconnect%20Switch%3F "Share on X (Twitter)") [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FJAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg&description=What%20is%20AC%20Disconnect%20Switch%3F "Share on Pinterest") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F&name=What%20is%20AC%20Disconnect%20Switch%3F "Share on Tumblr") [Telegram](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F&title=What%20is%20AC%20Disconnect%20Switch%3F "Share on Telegram") [Email](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20AC%20Disconnect%20Switch%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-ac-disconnect-switch%2F "Share via Email") ![mm](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elliot1-150x150.jpg) [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/) Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Type above and press *Enter* to search. Press *Esc* to cancel. ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/"},"author":{"name":"Elliot Clark","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8"},"headline":"What is AC Disconnect Switch?","datePublished":"2023-09-07T07:13:57+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T06:10:15+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/"},"wordCount":339,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg","articleSection":["Glossary"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/","name":"What is AC Disconnect Switch? - Energy Theory","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg","datePublished":"2023-09-07T07:13:57+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T06:10:15+00:00","description":"An AC disconnect switch is like a safety feature or button that is required for your HVAC unit or solar panel system.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/JAN23-What-is-AC-Disconnect-Switch.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"JAN23 What is AC Disconnect Switch"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-ac-disconnect-switch\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Glossary","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/category\/glossary\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What is AC Disconnect Switch?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","name":"Energy Theory","description":"Conserve energy to preserve future","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization","name":"Energy Theory","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","width":625,"height":57,"caption":"Energy Theory"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/energytheoryco"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8","name":"Elliot Clark","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Elliot Clark"},"description":"Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/author\/elliot_clark\/"}]} ```