"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message
news
In my house, the outside AC unit has a separate electrical connection
to the meter, and does not depend on the main panel. This normally
makes no difference since turning off the main panel would prevent the
24VAC control voltage from getting outside. I guess it could still run
if the contactor got stuck.

Around here that's a code vio -- the fire department wants a single place to
kill power in the entire building. Unless, of course, you have a shutoff
out by the meter (we don't).

-Tim