AC disco Clearance NEC 110.26

[PURE]

Just wanted another opinion on AC disco #1 in this picture.
Inspector tagged it for the AC line set being in the Working Clearance.

 

[tom baker]

I agree with AHJ. What was first the line set or disconnect?
Simple fix move the right hand disconnect to the left or above the other, or have the line set moved

 

[PURE]

I agree with AHJ. What was first the line set or disconnect?
Simple fix move the right hand disconnect to the left or above the other, or have the line set moved

NO idea, Chicken or the Egg.
I just cant believe the line set blocks any access, or makes this in anyway unsafe, or is different than anyone I have seen in years.
Non fused, -“not likely to require examination, adjustment, or servicing”

 

[augie47]

I agree with tom (post #2)
{That said, when I inspected I passed a lot of similar ones }

 

[don_resqcapt19]

NO idea, Chicken or the Egg.
I just cant believe the line set blocks any access, or makes this in anyway unsafe, or is different than anyone I have seen in years.
Non fused, -“not likely to require examination, adjustment, or servicing”

The easiest and first point to check for voltage to the unit on a trouble call. Checking for voltage is "examination".
This question goes away in the 2023 code as new language says that 110.26(A) applies to the AC unit disconnect.

440.14 Location.
Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from, and readily accessible from, the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. Disconnecting means shall meet the working space requirements of 110.26(A). ...

 

[texie]

While I believe this is a violation, I think it is being petty. I would let it go if I was inspecting. Clearly there is no danger here.

 

[suemarkp]

I'd rather it be waist high with a lineset in violation at my feet, than mounting it legally but so low you need to lay in the dirt to check for voltage or pull out a disconnect. Some of these code rules make no sense.

 

[hbiss]

I'd rather it be waist high with a lineset in violation at my feet, than mounting it legally but so low you need to lay in the dirt to check for voltage or pull out a disconnect.

I agree. They both are too low.

-Hal

 

[Rick 0920]

I agree that by the NEC this is a violation. But let's say these were 2 pole 30 amp switches installed in deep Bell boxes. The switches would be an approved means of disconnect, but would they require such clearances from A/C line?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I agree that by the NEC this is a violation. But let's say these were 2 pole 30 amp switches installed in deep Bell boxes. The switches would be an approved means of disconnect, but would they require such clearances from A/C line?

The type of enclosure does not change the requirements.

 

[jaggedben]

While I believe this is a violation, I think it is being petty. I would let it go if I was inspecting. Clearly there is no danger here.

I was going to say: That's pretty persnickity, but you can't really argue with him. More or less the same.

If I were inspecting I might say 'Don't keep doing it like that or I'm gonna have to start calling it.'

 

[petersonra]

There are way too many arbitrary requirements in the code already that have absolutely zero to do with safety.

How is having the line sets under the disconnect like that even remotely create a safety hazard?

 

[Rick 0920]

The type of enclosure does not change the requirements.

I guess I should have chosen my words more carefully. I wasn't referring to different enclosures per say, but are the requirements different for a 30 amp non-fusible disconnect than a 2 pole switch? If we used used a 2 pole switch in the installation described above, would it be a violation?

 

[norcal]

There is a church I drive by when going to one of my Dr appointments, they set the disco right behind the A/C condensing units, or set the units in front of the discos, either way you look at it not fun for whoever has to service them.

 

[texie]

There is a church I drive by when going to one of my Dr appointments, they set the disco right behind the A/C condensing units, or set the units in front of the discos, either way you look at it not fun for whoever has to service them.

This is precisely why when I look at the OP photo and in my previous post I see technical violation but is perfectly safe as a practical matter. There are so many condensing units installed like you describe and worse that the OPs case looks really good.