Capable of being locked in the open position

[Cavie]

This is what I thought, but I started heated discussion on the job and I had no reference for my argument. An argument that Cavie agrees with.
Cavie, do you have a reference?

Thanks,
Rich.

Yes. The referance is in the DREADED "Handbook". Since my boss hands them out we referance them often. I don't have it here at home but the dreaded blue text says NO SET SCREWS!

Somewhere in 422 as I remember

 

[frenchelectrican]

let me add this [ i have to translated from my primarly langunge to your langunge so i will post it here ]

here it is

(B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or​

1/ 8 Horsepower For permanently​

connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or

1/ 8 hp, the branch-circuit switch or​

circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or

circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or is capable of being locked in the open

position. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be
installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall
remain in place with or without the lock installed.
Section 422.31(B) has been expanded to increase safety to maintenance and service
personnel working on electrical appliances. The requirement now provides detailed
information pertaining to the method of providing the disconnection required by
Article 422, Part III. A device that is attached to the circuit breaker handle by a set
screw is not an acceptable means to serve as a safe method of locking the device in the
off position. The device must have provisions for placement of a lock on it to secure
the device in the off position. The lock-out device must be part of the disconnect
assembly and must remain in place after the padlock is removed, whether it is a fused
disconnect switch, a single circuit breaker, or a circuit breaker in a panelboard.​

​

FPN: For appliances employing unit switches, see 422.34.

hope this will clear up some details here

Merci , Marc


​

note this is from the NEC 2005 verison

 

[Rich Elec.]

Thanks for the reference Cavie, Frenchelectrician.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rich.

 

[Rich Elec.]

I would like to add something, 422.31(B) last sentence.

"The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed."

1. Is there an approved "capable of being locked in the open position" circuit breaker lock?

2. "The provision for locking or adding a lock... shall remain in place with or without the lock installed."

How can it be locked but the lock not be installed?

 

[George Stolz]

I am really having a hard time following the confusion here. That section quoted requires a breaker lock device that remains in place.

The provision for installing a lock on a breaker is a breakerlock. It must be there, ready for a padlock, 24/7.