Applying 110.26 (2008 NEC) to air handler disconnect

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DaveBowden

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Location
St Petersburg FL
Inspector today told me I have to have the A.C. contractor for the new SFR I'm wiring install a breaker in the air handler unit because the a/h closet isn't big enough to comply with 110.26. He says I have to have 30 inches from side to side and 36 inches of depth in front of the disconnect (the working space requirements of 110.26). I've never run into this before in over 40 years in the trade.
I asked him about the disconnect for the 2nd a/h in the trusses over the garage and he said the same thing applied. With trusses centeed on 24 inches if the disconnect is mounted on the side of the truss its impossible to get 36 inches of clear depth. The next truss is only 22.5 inches away.
110.26 applies to equipment that might require working on it while energized. I don't know why anyone would have to work on a disconnect while it is energized.
I thought the disconnect was there to protect someone working on the air handler and wonder if it would even be required if the breaker feeding the a/h had lock off provisions installed on it.
 
Is your situation where you could use a receptacle & cord for the disconnecting means?
OR would he accept a lock-out on the breaker as a disconnect means? :?
 
There was a time here when we were able to use a dryer pigtail and dryer receptacle as a means to disconnect an a/h but if I remember right the ahj decided that was not a listed application for the cords or the a/h's were not rated to use cords or something along those lines. Whatever their reasons, we haven't done them like that for over a decade.
 
Hello Dave,
I have run into your issue as well. I have read and came to the decision that because part of it is connected, it is considered live parts. I have in your area, just applied a lock tab to the breaker and the issue went away. Most inspectors, I think, just look away. This usually comes up after issues with the AC contractor doing some disco replacement and the AHJ being out for blood, or so I think. Did you get conformation on this
Erik
 
This is not a problem with the inspector. It is a problem with 110.26(A). That code section, as worded, applies to all electrical equipment, no matter what it is or where it is located.

Totally impossible to comply with for application like in this thread.
 
Air handlers are typically installed in attics, crawl spaces and above ceiling grids.
It's not possible to provide working clearance.
An accessible motor rated switch should be all that is needed and it is not required to meet working clearances.
 
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