To achieve an ESWC, all sources of electrical power that supply electrical equipment need to be disconnected.

I understand we cannot use the main overcurrent protection device from the electrical equipment, but an upstream disconnecting means.

Otherwise, you will still have power to the electrical equipment on the line side of this main overcurrent protection device.

I can't find a reference to this in the NFPA 70E. Where does it specifically say that we can't use the main OCPD of the electrical equipment to disconnect the power to this equipment?

Here's one opinion on it:

https://www.70econsultants.com/is-elect ... isconnect/

It basically says that it depends on if the line side conductors and lugs are exposed as well as what you are doing.