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AC pull out disconnect for detached garage feeder...

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CustomElectricLLC

Member
Location
Midlothian Texas
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
What's everyones thought on a AC type pull out disco being used on a detached garage with a feeder (more than a multiword branch circuit)? 225.36 states ", or other approved means" trying to decipher what that really means. Needing to add a disconnect to a bldg with small panel inside without changing that panel out (panel to old for backfed hold down kit to be used in). TIA!
 
LarryFine

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I see no reason an appropriately-sized pull-out wouldn't work, unless it needs to be service-rated.

I used one once as a disconnect at the house wall for a generator mounted out in the yard.
 
kwired

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
Occupation
EC
CustomElectricLLC said:
What's everyones thought on a AC type pull out disco being used on a detached garage with a feeder (more than a multiword branch circuit)? 225.36 states ", or other approved means" trying to decipher what that really means. Needing to add a disconnect to a bldg with small panel inside without changing that panel out (panel to old for backfed hold down kit to be used in). TIA!
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Does the feeder include an EGC? If not I believe that is where the mentioned 250.32(B) exception 1 would kick in and would require your disconnect to be rated as suitable for use as service equipment. Which I think that suitable for use as service equipment was the rule for all installations until one of the last couple code editions, so if you happen to be on old enough code at the location it may still be the rule.
 
N

norcal

Senior Member
LarryFine said:
That's what I do, with a wirenut, splice device, etc. There's no reason it has to be mounted to the enclosure.
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That is what I was wondering, there always seems to be a hidden rule like no EMT connectors in Myers hubs, when slightly unusual methods are used. Pullout disco's are pretty cheap compared to enclosed breakers, or safety switches.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
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Retired Electrical Contractor
The only problems I see is how to connect the neutral and the grounding electrode conductor and also you may need a fused a/c switch. You may have to change the bonding terminal also.
Imo, I would just add a small 6 circuit panel and back feed a main breaker
 
kwired

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
Occupation
EC
Dennis Alwon said:
The only problems I see is how to connect the neutral and the grounding electrode conductor and also you may need a fused a/c switch. You may have to change the bonding terminal also.
Imo, I would just add a small 6 circuit panel and back feed a main breaker
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I think he is trying to feed an existing panel that he can not get a hold down for a back-fed main for whatever reason.

But yes if having issues like you mention can always use a panelboard designed to house a single breaker. Many those aren't all that expensive either and have more room inside than the typical AC pullout disconnect. Many the AC disconnects only designed to make entries in the bottom or near the bottom on side and back walls, so if you need a top entry you sort of out of luck with those.
 
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CustomElectricLLC

Member
Location
Midlothian Texas
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
kwired said:
Does the feeder include an EGC? If not I believe that is where the mentioned 250.32(B) exception 1 would kick in and would require your disconnect to be rated as suitable for use as service equipment. Which I think that suitable for use as service equipment was the rule for all installations until one of the last couple code editions, so if you happen to be on old enough code at the location it may still be the rule.
Click to expand...
Great catch and your on point with that article! But yes the feeder will have an EGC, so 250.32 B won't apply
 
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CustomElectricLLC

Member
Location
Midlothian Texas
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
LarryFine said:
Right on the label: Service Disconnect.
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But I dont think the intent is to state that it is "service rated". It would literally have to say suitlabe for service/service rated etc on it. But on a feeder to a detached bldg a service rated one is not required unless and exception would apply as mentioned here before.
 
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