Altering a disconnect

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480sparky said:
Show me a listing for a disconnect that prohibits it's use on the outside of the Space Shuttle.

There's no way a manufacturer can possibly list every possible future use of their equipment, especially ones that could result in a violation of the listing.
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If it is not prohibited it is allowed, simple as that.
 
resistance said:
Do you believe the disco should be available for disconnect at any given moment--by any person--for safety reasons?
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No, absolutely not. That is not it's purpose and OSHA agrees.

You may lock disconnecting means ON just as a service disconnecting means may be in a locked room.
 
mpd said:
iwire

do you think the manufacturer would agree
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No I don't think they would agree, I think they would not disagree.

Beyond that what the manufacturer wants means nothing unless it is an instruction INCLUDED in the listing or units labeling.
 
iwire said:
No, absolutely not. That is not it's purpose and OSHA agrees.

You may lock disconnecting means ON just as a service disconnecting means may be in a locked room.
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I agree, and I'm clear on the issue! :smile:

Yet, I was trying to get your view, not OSHA's.
 
mpd said:
then IMO buy a disconnect that has provisions for locking it on
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That would be convenient. But it is not the only answer. This discussion has centered on what the NEC will or will not allow. I side with Bob in saying that the NEC does not forbid what the facilities manager wants to do.
 
mpd said:
iwire

then IMO buy a disconnect that has provisions for locking it on
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That is certainly an option and one that I am sure the manufacturer would agree to.

It is also an option I might consider but IMO it is not an option an inspector can require.

Regarding 110.3(B), IMO the words included with the listing are there for a specific reason. If the NFPAs intent was for 110.3(B) to apply to any and all instruction then IMO they would not have placed 'included with the listing' in that code section.
 
charlie

i agree, that there are no NEC issues, but would the manufacturer stand behind there disconnect if it was altered and somebody got hurt
 
iwire

I could require you to get me info from the manufacturer to support your field modification
 
mpd said:
charlie

i agree, that there are no NEC issues, but would the manufacturer stand behind there disconnect if it was altered and somebody got hurt
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If in fact the modification was the cause of an incident or injury then why should the manufacturer stand behind it?

If I made the modification and it was proved to be the cause of an injury I fully expect I (or the company I work for) would be held responsible.
 
mpd said:
iwire

I could require you to get me info from the manufacturer to support your field modification
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I know that is how you feel, and maybe where you are you could. Personally I think your making a mountain out of a mole hill.

IMO we can not give one size fits all answer.

If someone made a modification that seriously changed the internal workings of a disconnect I think you would have a leg to stand on.

However most safety switches would only need a 3/8" hole drilled in a metal tab on the exterior of the switch just under the handle when in the ON position. Hardly something to get all worked up about. :smile:
 
many disconnect switches come with an indentation in the handle where you can drill you own hole to be able to lock it closed. presumably the manufacturer made it that way for a reason.
 
iwire

I am not getting worked up, its friday, eating lunch and debating you, I agree but just thinking of problems it could create
 
petersonra said:
many disconnect switches come with an indentation in the handle where you can drill you own hole to be able to lock it closed. presumably the manufacturer made it that way for a reason.
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Obviously not in this situation!

I agree with iwire, we cannot give one size fits all answers.

Great input received!
 
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