Circuit Breakers

[OCdav40@aol.com]

Can A circuit breaker be locked in the on position for any reason. My Foreman says it Can as long as the breaker has an internal trip. I say he is wrong per the nec. Who is right thanks.

 

[tshea]

Your boss!
We use lock-ons on breakers for critical or life safety loads.
Exit lights and egress lights. Some computer circuits.

 

[ron]

You can apply a lock to a breaker in the on position, as it has a trip mechanism that can trip open even if the handle is held in the on position.
This is done often for emergency type circuits to prevent accidental manual operation of the breaker.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Look at some disconnects, you will see a hasp for locking provisions. This can be for locking on or locking off. Either is acceptable as per code.

 

[ryan_618]

Sometimes it is required. Take a look at the exception to 700.12(F).

 

[poweringtech]

Circuit breakers are allowed to be locked in the ON position. Circuit breakers are required to be TRIP FREE meaning they will still trip during overcurrent (overload or Short circuit) in accordance with article 240 Methods of operation