Contactor for A/C disconnect ? Really ?

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titan1021

titan1021

Senior Member
Location
Northern California
I am providing power and disconnects for a Fugjitsu 240v 30a split system A/C being installed in a Ice Cream Shop. The indoor unit is mounted up on a wall and recieves power via (3) wires that come from terminals inside the outdoor unit. The wiring diagram indicates that all (3) wires need a disconnect for the inside unit. I've ruled out a 3 pole disconnect for the inside because of its size and appearance(visible to customers), and I've never seen a 3 pole switch. The best way that I've come up with is to install a 3 pole contactor with a 120v coil in the attic, then I can just put a toggle switch on the wall next to the unit. This would look the best, but it seems like overkill to put a contactor in for a small A/C. I just can't believe that people are having to put in large 3 pole disco's or contactors for these popular units.
Just wondering if anyone has any better ideas.

Thanks
 
First you can not use a contactor and a control circuit as the disconecting means so rule that out.

You can get a 3 pole 30 amp switch that looks a lot like a normal switch.

971_300.jpg


You can use the factory enclosure or it can fit in a large device box, I would use a 4" square deep box with a single gang raised ring if I was doing this as new work.
 
They make 3 pole toggle switches, my supply house carries them. They're a little big to fit in a handybox but will fit in a 4 sq with a raised cover just fine.
 
I have where possible put a standard 2 pole toggle switch on the wall beside the indoor unit that feeds the outdoor disco and unit.

I know that is not exactly how the directions say to do it but it serves the same purpose.
 
iwire said:
First you can not use a contactor and a control circuit as the disconecting means so rule that out.

You can get a 3 pole 30 amp switch that looks a lot like a normal switch.

971_300.jpg


You can use the factory enclosure or it can fit in a large device box, I would use a 4" square deep box with a single gang raised ring if I was doing this as new work.
Click to expand...

But would the switch controlling the coil for the contactor be the means of disconnect?
 
First you can not use a contactor and a control circuit as the disconecting means so rule that out.

What code section is that in? I'm looking and I don't see it. Unless you are

talking about 440.63 (2) and your saying a contactor and a control circuit

would not be a "Approved" manually operable disconnecting means.

I'm not doubting you ,I just would like to see it in the NEC.

PLease tell me what code cycle. I have 99,02,05,and 08 in arms

length. Thanks
 
i agree with bob

First you can not use a contactor and a control circuit as the disconecting means so rule that out.
Click to expand...

29 CFR 1910.147

Energy isolating device. A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.
Click to expand...
 
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