Altering a disconnect

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Instead of a lock could they put a wire tie on the handle in such a way as the wire tie would have to be broken to open the switch? Might well be a deterrence.
 
Why not bypass the disconnects and install lock-out tabs on the breakers?

For that matter, what's to stop someone from just flipping off the berakers?
 
resistance said:
Did we ever answer Knights question?

I guess Knight is looking for a reason not to do it?
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I believe he is looking to make sure he is not violating the code..We can debate the safety issue but I do not believe there is one..if you are crawling inside an enclosed exhaust fan you better have it locked out..You are also probably the guy with the Key to unlock it and lock it up again anyway..So if a exhaust fan fails it is normally bearing or a motor either one will trip the heaters so not an issue..except if the freak happens and it comes apart in motion and you would probably run for cover not the disconnect.,.
 
billsnuff said:
in sight but locked 'on', isn't that oxymoronic....bring on the jumbo shrimp.......with apologies to Geroge Carlon.
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LOL yeah kind of like that. :grin:


But again the disconnect is there for the servicing the equipment, it is not there as a means of emergency stop.
 
i'm in agreement bob, but sometimes its hard not to laugh at the situations we create. like putting in the required lighting outlet in a garage and installing a blank cover, then installing four plug and cord flourescents.
 
In the area where I live many A.C. disconnects are locked ,..those pesky kids and their high-jinx.
As was stated OSHA does not see it as a hazard to lock a disconnect on ,..and I can't think of an issue resulting in bodily harm from installing a lock..as long as a key is available to those who access is required.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24844


Question: Can the disconnect switches be locked in the closed (on) position?

Response: There is no provision in the OSHA regulations that prohibits locking the disconnecting means in the closed (on) position........
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And you won't find it in the NEC either.
 
The way I read 110.3 as a whole is that the inspector has to evaluate electrical equipment so he/she can approve or disapprove it. It is easier to conduct this evaluation to already listed equipment as explained in 90.7 and simply verify that it was installed according to its instructions 110.3(B). If some one has installed a piece of equipment that was modified by a step not included in the instructions then he/she shall evaluate it according to 110.3(A).
I do not agree with the statement "that if it is not prohibited it is allowed, simple as that". Even though the instructions do not prohibit placing your empty beer can in the enclosure after completing the installation does not make the complete installation code compliant nor would drilling excessive holes in the cover of a disconnect. Would the location of the holes matter?
If I have to use 110.3(A) to approve a piece of equipment shall I just skip the first four steps and start with number 5 and 6 and if there is anything left of the equipment after that - continue on with the evaluation?
 
iwire said:
I understand that.

Drill a hole, install a pad lock, no harm, no foul.

Or are you saying I can not drill my own holes in an electrical enclosure?
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I am saying you cannot alter a product without taking on liability.
 
so if we take the nice piece of no name steak and pound it with the tenderizer mallet we take on the responsibility of either a tender steak or a tough steak..:grin:

same goes with a disconnect if you drill it the company now assume all responsibilities associated with that piece of equipment..but the company has already incurred all the liability any way by having paid the final installation charges..so the company is on the hook either way..correct..
 
This is the metal test.................. Pierre would you fail a job if you saw someone had home installed a disconect locked in the on position?? A locked disconnect is not a disconnect. It is just a connect. Drum roll please..............
 
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And a second question: would a manufacturer void a product warranty because of such an alteration?
 
cschmid said:
is that the steak sizzleing on the open flame...:grin:


you knew I had to make a comment and now there is more beef on the board..
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You are just lying awake hoping Bret Favre will sign with you who are you kidding??????
 
LarryFine said:
And a second question: would a manufacturer void a product warranty because of such an alteration?
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Maybe,.. but in all the years that I have been in the trade I have never contacted a manufacturer of a disconnect for warranty service.
 
quogueelectric said:
I am saying you cannot alter a product without taking on liability.
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Read the thread, that was covered. :grin:

For what it's worth we can not install any electrical equipment without taking on liability.
 
volt102 said:
I do not agree with the statement "that if it is not prohibited it is allowed, simple as that".
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You can choose not to agree but the NEC is a permissive document so it is the truth.


Even though the instructions do not prohibit placing your empty beer can in the enclosure after completing the installation does not make the complete installation code compliant
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How about a more realistic example? :smile:
 
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