Contactors in general purpose junction boxes?

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dedbrk

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We have some issues in our area with putting lighting contactors in junction boxes. We are not allowed to put an Allen Bradley 4 pole contactor (Bulletin 100L) inside a typical 6x6x4 junction box. The issue that AHJ notes is with the UL label. They say that these boxes are not listed for contactors. It is difficult for me to navigate the UL website to research what is and what is not allowed. The way I understand it is that we can install contactors this way if it is not more than one? Two or more it becomes and industrial control panel? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob
 
What does the AHJ want you to use? Any box that is suitable for the environment (NEMA 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 12, etc.) is also suitable for that environment with a contactor in it. Do they want you to have a Hoffman box with a panel in the back to mount the contactor to?
 
Who is 'they'? And when 'they' say you are in violation, 'they' must provide you with something firm to go on, not just their 'say-so'. Ask for a Code reference.
 
409.100 Enclosures

Table 430.91 shall be used as a basis for selecting ICP enclosures for use in

specific locations-----

note**The code does not require that control panels be listed.

NEC 2005
 
Do you feel that a junction box with only contactors installed inside of it falls under the industrial control panel article 409? My thoughts are no.
 
Dedbrk, I believe this article was created to get control of a situation that

was going unnoticed. If your set-up has a SCCR of 5 or 10ka and your

available short circuit current is 40 or 65ka at the installation, then I think

the EI has every right to be concerned, and as you should be also.
 
dedbrk said:
Unfortunately, I'm the one who has to provide documentation that it is listed for that use.
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I disagree, I feel it's the AHJ who has the burden of proof to the fact the box is NOT listed for the purpose.

Did this AHJ suggest what he/she considers as listed for the purpose?
 
What they want to see is the Allen Bradley contactor inside of an Allen Bradley enclosure arguing that the Allen Bradley enclosure is listed for use with the contactor and a regular junction box is not.
 
dedbrk said:
What they want to see is the Allen Bradley contactor inside of an Allen Bradley enclosure arguing that the Allen Bradley enclosure is listed for use with the contactor and a regular junction box is not.
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Does AB even make an enclosure for that purpose? I think they make some IEC combo starters and enclosed starters, but I don't think they sell the enclosures separately.
 
I would not have a problem with your install, as I myself have done that many times. Is he worried about wire bending space or box fill?

Where I run into a problem is when the box says enclosure and it is a panel box or controler of some sort, then it needs to be listed as a controler or all of the components need to be UL and not UR.
 
mxslick said:
I disagree, I feel it's the AHJ who has the burden of proof to the fact the box is NOT listed for the purpose.
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If you are supplying the enclosure & installing, why would it be up to the AHJ to research your equipment for listing & labeling, the contractor should have that info or be able to get it, if its not listed for that purpose he can always call UL for a field evaluation
 
The only thing it is controlling is lighting circuits via switch leg from a photo cell. There are no selector switches, pushbuttons, timers, etc.
 
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