Acceptable means of disconnect.

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ALLELECTRIC95

ALLELECTRIC95

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We have a local code officer saying that the breaker inside a furnace and waterheater is an acceptable means of disconnect. My understanding of teh code is a disconnect located on the wall so the furnace/waterheater can be shut off and removed is the acceptable disconnect. Can anyone tell me where in the code this is addressed?

Thanks!
 
I guess it would depend on the unit, if it has a main disconnect that can be switched off manually and disconnects all ungrounded conductors to the unit then it would meet the requirements of 422.31 (B).
 
This is from a PM that I thought added insight to the post.

ALLELECTRIC95 said:
So what I am understanding is the furnace (not over 300amps but higher than 1/8 hp (it is 1/2hp) will fall under 422.31(b) and must have a locking means? Additionally does the internal breaker within the furnace meet the requirement for the disconnecting means and does this exclude the requirement for locking means since it is within site of the appliance? I have a furnace that is 250amp 1/2hp and I am not sure if disconnecting means via just utilizing the breaker on furnace is to code or does it have to have lockout function or external disconnect...... Thanks!!
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I don't read 422.31(B) to say you need to have a locking disconnect, because it is in sight of the unit (I don't think it could be any more insight of the unit seeing as it is part of the unit).
 
I agree with what acrwc10 has said. The way I read 422.31(B) you have 2 choices:

1st the breaker is within sight of the appliance or...

2nd the breaker is not within sight of the appliance and the breaker is equiped with a means to lock out the breaker.

Chris
 
ALLELECTRIC95 said:
We have a local code officer saying that the breaker inside a furnace and waterheater is an acceptable means of disconnect. My understanding of teh code is a disconnect located on the wall so the furnace/waterheater can be shut off and removed is the acceptable disconnect. Can anyone tell me where in the code this is addressed?
Click to expand...
My understanding is that the integral disconnect must be operable before opening the equipment for it to qualify as the required disconnect.
 
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