AC PANELBOARD ACCESSIBLE FROM ROOFTOP

[kwired]

240.24(A)4

Good find. Correct that it must only serve the equipment it serves if not readily accessible.

Now how does 110.26 fit into this application?

 

[renosteinke]

Come to think of it, I once had a mild disagreement with an inspector on a similar topic.

We were installing a 'mini-split' air conditioning system in a computer room. A 'mini-split,' btw, is a system where there is no ductwork. Instead, a remote condensing unit (just like with 'normal' A/C) feeds the coolant ("freon") to an evaporator / fan unit in the room to be cooled. These units are typically mounted near the ceiling, and are -for most makes - powered by full line voltage from the condensing unit. It's a pretty good way to get additional cooling when one area generates extra heat.

Anyway .... you need a way to disconnect the evaporator, should you ever decide to service it. I installed a disconnect switch right next to the unit, near the ceiling, for the convenience of the service crew.

Along comes the inspector, and he cites the part of the NEC that says 'switches' can't be mounted up high. At that point, I almost began to wish I had used a cord & plug as a disconnect- the unit only drew half an amp!. I had used the disconnect because it was 208v, it was 'live' only when the condensing unit was sending it power, and for LOTO convenience.

Eventually, the inspector saw reason, and signed off on the job. That's not a 'switch,' that's a 'disconnecting means' that just looks like a switch. Ugh!

While not as radical as the OP's situation, the same issues applied.

 

[kwired]

Come to think of it, I once had a mild disagreement with an inspector on a similar topic.

We were installing a 'mini-split' air conditioning system in a computer room. A 'mini-split,' btw, is a system where there is no ductwork. Instead, a remote condensing unit (just like with 'normal' A/C) feeds the coolant ("freon") to an evaporator / fan unit in the room to be cooled. These units are typically mounted near the ceiling, and are -for most makes - powered by full line voltage from the condensing unit. It's a pretty good way to get additional cooling when one area generates extra heat.

Anyway .... you need a way to disconnect the evaporator, should you ever decide to service it. I installed a disconnect switch right next to the unit, near the ceiling, for the convenience of the service crew.

Along comes the inspector, and he cites the part of the NEC that says 'switches' can't be mounted up high. At that point, I almost began to wish I had used a cord & plug as a disconnect- the unit only drew half an amp!. I had used the disconnect because it was 208v, it was 'live' only when the condensing unit was sending it power, and for LOTO convenience.

Eventually, the inspector saw reason, and signed off on the job. That's not a 'switch,' that's a 'disconnecting means' that just looks like a switch. Ugh!

While not as radical as the OP's situation, the same issues applied.

Exception #2 to 404.8(A) allows this switch location.

 

[INSPECTORFABS]

Good find. Correct that it must only serve the equipment it serves if not readily accessible.

Now how does 110.26 fit into this application?

Well 110.26 (F)(2) Outdoor send you to 110.26 (A),1,2,3.and 3 says the work space shall be clear and extend from the grade ,floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). Really this context of code requirements here was not intended to cover rooftop panelboards but the language here clearly state's a flat surface to extend from at this space location.