How far can the service receptacle be from an AC condenser?

NEC 210.63(A) requires the 125 volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle to be within 7.5 m (25 ft) of the equipment, on the same level, and readily accessible.

Does the outdoor AC service receptacle need GFCI protection?

Yes. NEC 210.8(A)(3) requires GFCI protection for outdoor 125 volt, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles at dwellings, and 210.8(B)(4) covers other than dwelling units.

Does an outdoor AC unit need a receptacle next to it?

Q: Can the AC service receptacle be fed from the disconnect?

No. NEC 210.63(A) does not permit the required receptacle to be connected to the load side of the equipment disconnecting means, because opening the disconnect would kill the outlet the technician needs.

Yes. The 2023 NEC requires a service receptacle at heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, and Section 210.63(A) is the rule that puts it there. This is not an optional convenience outlet. It is a code required outlet, and inspectors write it up constantly on condenser replacements.

What 210.63(A) actually says

Section 210.63(A) of the 2023 NEC requires a 125 volt, single phase, 15 or 20 ampere rated receptacle outlet at an accessible location for servicing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle must be located within 7.5 m (25 ft) of the equipment, on the same level as the equipment, and it must be readily accessible. It cannot be connected on the load side of the equipment disconnecting means, which is the part most people miss. If you tap the receptacle off the load side of the AC disconnect, the tech loses the outlet the moment he opens the disconnect to work safely.

The 25 foot measurement is a straight line distance to the equipment, and the outlet has to serve that equipment without an extension cord run around a corner or up a wall. A receptacle inside the garage does not count for a condenser sitting on a pad in the side yard, because it is not on the same level and it is not accessible from the equipment location.

GFCI protection is required on top of that

An outdoor 125 volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle on a dwelling unit needs GFCI protection under Section 210.8(A)(3), which covers outdoor receptacles. For other than dwelling units, Section 210.8(B)(4) covers outdoors. So the service receptacle you install for the condenser is a GFCI receptacle or is fed from a GFCI breaker. Use a weather resistant device with an in use cover per Sections 406.9(B)(1) and 406.9(B)(2), because the location is a wet location.

What circuit feeds it

The service receptacle is normally landed on a general purpose 15 or 20 ampere circuit from the dwelling panel, or on a small dedicated circuit. It must not be on the load side of the AC disconnect. For dwelling units, an outdoor receptacle also requires GFCI, and if it is on a circuit that supplies a dwelling area covered by Section 210.12, check whether AFCI applies to that branch circuit as well. Outdoor outlets on dwellings are covered by 210.12(A) in the 2023 edition, so a dual function device or breaker is often the cleanest answer.

Field takeaway

Set a weather resistant GFCI receptacle in an in use cover within 25 feet of the condenser, on the same level, fed from a circuit that is not downstream of the AC disconnect. That single detail satisfies 210.63(A), 210.8, and 406.9 in one shot and keeps the service tech from running a cord out the bathroom window.