The new code language in 440.14 specifies 110.26(A), so it would seem 110.26(E) should not be applied. So a line set running horizontally secured to the wall below the disconnect would be fine as long as it doesn't project out beyond the face of the disconnect, right?
AC Disconnect (2023)
- Thread starter psimmond
- Start date
Bill Snyder
NEC expert
- Location
- Denver, Co
- Occupation
- Electrical Foreman
If it's not likely to be worked on while energized then it wouldn't matter I use a non fused pullout switch for that reason.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Correct. A disconnect is not on the list of equipment requiring dedicated equipment space. It does require working space.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
All disconnects are likely to be examined while energized, as they are the very first place most troubleshooters will start with...verification of power at the load side of the disconnect.
The new language in 440.14 bypasses the parent text of 110.26(A) and directly specifies compliance with the specified work spaces in the second level subdivisions of 110.26(A).
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I agree. Here in NJ we have a local amendment that says that AC disconnects are not required to meet the working space outlined in 110.26 which is dumb for the reason that you've mentioned. One of the first things you'll check when troubleshooting an AC unit is you'll start at the disconnect instead of opening up the entire unit. Fused or non-fused doesn't really change anything,
Jaybone812
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts-2023 NEC
- Occupation
- Commercial & Residential Electrician
440.14 says the working space clearance for ac disconnects must meet the required working space listed in 110.26(a) . Doesn’t say ac disconnects shall be installed in accordance with 110.26(a) , if it did then the likelihood of it being worked on while energized would factor into the amount of required working space . But the article says the working space for the disconnect shall meet the required working space that’s listed in 110.26(a) , which makes the likelihood of energized service irrelevant
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- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
But prior to the 2023 NEC working space was only required if the disconnect was tested, etc. while energized. It has long been argued that it does not require testing etc. therefore the working space was not required in earlier code versions.
Where does it say that?
Jaybone812
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts-2023 NEC
- Occupation
- Commercial & Residential Electrician
Prior to 2023 the conditions in 440.14 were a readily accessible location within sight of the equipment. Working space in 110.26 (a) never played a factor
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- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Something readily accessible doesn't automatically meet the definition of working space.
Jaybone812
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts-2023 NEC
- Occupation
- Commercial & Residential Electrician
440.14 in nec editions prior to 2023 did not require any specific clearances or dedicated working space around ac disconnects . Prior to 2023 nec 440.14 required us to install the ac disconnect in a readily accessible location that was within sight of the equipment . Allot of inspectors tried to enforce the code rule like the working space required by 110.26(a) was mandatory . But a specific amount of working space was never required prior to the 2023 cycle . It’s only required to be within sight and readily accessible .
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- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
What in 110.26 would allow an AC disconnect (that requires testing while energized) to be excluded from the working space rules?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I'll have to look for it when I get back to my office. It did say amendment but it might actually be from the DCA Code Communicator where they made an interpretation as to it not being required in NJ.
Found it, this only applies to existing installs for a replacement:
Air-Conditioning Disconnects Does Section 110.26 of the 2002 National Electrical Code (NEC) apply when an air-conditioning unit is being replaced?
N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.8(d)2 in the Rehabilitation Subcode excludes Section 110.26 of the 2002 NEC. This applies to working clearance space around electrical equipment. However, Section 440.14 of the 2002 NEC is not excluded under N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.8(d)5. This section states that the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of, and readily accessible from, the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The disconnecting means is permitted to be installed on or within the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.
Therefore, the answer is NO, Section 110.26 of the 2002 NEC is not applicable to units that are being replaced. Any existing disconnect shall be permitted to remain, provided that the disconnect is in sight of the unit and readily accessible; i.e., nothing has to be moved to access it.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Yes, prior to the 2023, that was up to your AHJ. In many areas, the AHJs have been requiring compliance with the 110.26 work spaces for a long time, but in other areas, they have not.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Exactly. Which is odd because opening the disconnect and testing for voltage is one of the first things you do when troubleshooting these types of units.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
I agree, but some AHJs did not see it that way.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I know. I'm glad that they actually wrote the language into the 2023 NEC. I'm thinking that the substantiation was exactly what we're discussing.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
The substantiation was:
The panel statement was:
The panel changed the reference to just 110.26(A).