Code Question

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CopperTone

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MetroWest, MA
I can't find it in the code book so I'm hoping someone can point me to an article reference.

What is the max height you can mount a main disconnect panel - and what is the min. off the floor you can mount a panel - main disc. or main lug. think of a standard residential unfinished basement.

I for some reason remember it being 6' 6" to the top of the main disc. but can't find it. Also was thinking of installing a sub panel under the main disc. panel but wasn't sure about min. height off floor.

thanks
 
240.24 Location in or on Premises.
(A) Accessibility. Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible
and shall be installed so that the center of the grip
of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker,
when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft
7 in.) above the floor or working platform unless one of the
following applies:

(1) For busways, as provided in 368.12.
(2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described
in 240.10.
(3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 225.40 and
230.92.
(4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment
that they supply, access shall be permitted to be
by portable means.

Remember since you are speaking of residential panels...prior to the 2005 NEC the above 240.24(A) did not appear in the NEC...many would use the 404.8 requirement incorrectly. ( Used as switches only.... )
 
radiopet said:
prior to the 2005 NEC the above 240.24(A) did not appear in the NEC...many would use the 404.8 requirement incorrectly. ( Used as switches only.... )
Click to expand...

When is a breaker not used as a switch?

How many times may I turn the circuit on or off with the breaker before it is 'used as a switch'?

Is there an NEC defintion I can look at?

Regardless if there is a snap switch down line from the breaker the breaker will always be used as a switch at least once in it's lifetime.
 
(D) Used as Switches. Circuit breakers used as switches in 120-volt and 277-volt fluorescent lighting circuits shall be listed and shall be marked SWD or HID. Circuit breakers used as switches in high-intensity discharge lighting circuits shall be listed and shall be marked as HID.

Circuit breakers are only switches when they are the normal means of control. Circuit breakers that are installed to provide over current protection for a branch circuit are not automatically classified as switches. If that was the case then there would be no wording stating used as a switch.
 
Don't overlook Paul's post that is pointing out the new change to 240.24 for the 2008 Code cycle. I understand that the change doesn't take effect until your area adopts the current Code; however, the intent of the panel is clear if the AHJ wants to push the issue and try to enforce the change before it is adopted. :smile:
 
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