Electrical inspection of a detached garage. One 20-ampere circuit was run to the garage. Outlet was added along with three switches for lighting.

The installing contractor did not provide a disconnecting means at the garage. 

His position was this was not required because he was wiring under the 2015 MRC.

I responded by referring him to read the scope of the 2015 MRC.  

Words have meaning and explained reading the scope of the 2015 MRC the detached garage was clearly not a dwelling, and we now refer to the 2023 NEC for code compliance. 

Comments/feedback on this issue will be a good thing.

2015 Michigan Residential Code.

R101.2 Scope.

The provisions of the Michigan Residential Code are for 1 and 2-family DWELLINGS and shall apply.

Definitions.

Dwelling. Complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. 

Garage. A building or portion of a building in which one or more self-propelled vehicles can be kept for use, sale, storage, rental, repair, exhibition, or demonstration purposes.

Clearly you are wiring a detached garage and not a Dwelling.

Therefore, code compliance requires following the rules in the 2023 National Electrical Code.

225.31 Disconnecting Means. Means shall be provided for the disconnecting all ungrounded conductors that supply or pass through the building or structure.

110.22 Identification of Disconnecting Means.

Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate it’s purpose. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

Wiring detached garages without a disconnecting means clearly violates code compliance.