Circuit Breaker as Test Switch

[bhsrnd]

We have two UPS modules, each fed by a 200A breaker on a 480V 3W 3PH panel. A UL regulation we're bound by requires we test these UPS modules each month by disconnecting line-side power for five minutes.

We used to perform this test weekly but ended up burning up the two breakers over time. I know that CB can only take so much on/off and will end up failing over time. Also I feel that peforming this test in this manner put employees at risk for electrocution or other hazard.

For some reason I remember reading somewhere that NEC prohibits the use of a circuit breaker as a switch but cannot locate that verbiage. Although 240.83(D) does afford the use of a CB as a switch for lighting depending on the CB rating (HID or SWD) it does not specifically grant the use of a CB as a switch for anything other than that, nor does it deny.

The electrician we contacted to replace those breakers (at the time this occurred) stated that NEC prohibits the use of a CB as a switch.

Can anyone shed some light on the use of a CB as a switch in this scenario?

 

[bikeindy]

I don't think you are using the CB as a switch in this case you are using it as a disconnecting means. But the simple solution is to install a disconnect of another type at the UPS.

 

[bhsrnd]

I agree. I should have made my original post a two part question. The second part would be:

Is there any NEC specific code which prohibits a CB from being used in lieu of a switch?

 

[templdl]

No big deal at all.

No big deal at all.

The breaker must pass a UL endurance test that requires 4000 FL aoperations and 4000 NL operations. At 600% normal current at rated voltage 50 operations.
After all of these tests breakers without getting into detail breakers are checked for calibration at the end of each test.
So, test switch? As long as the breaker is applied within its rating you are good to go.

 

[dlhoule]

The breaker must pass a UL endurance test that requires 4000 FL aoperations and 4000 NL operations. At 600% normal current at rated voltage 50 operations.
After all of these tests breakers without getting into detail breakers are checked for calibration at the end of each test.
So, test switch? As long as the breaker is applied within its rating you are good to go.

What about within sight?