Disconnect location legal?

anbm

Senior Member
Location
TX
Occupation
Designer
Is the disconnect serving outdoor condensing unit code compliance? See attached pictures - almost on ground level. Rain may flood inside enclosure…
 

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That location appears to violate the 36" minimum working space required for the disconnecting means. Depending on the drainage in that area it could also fill up with water but given that it looks somewhat old it doesn't appear that there has been a flooding problem.
 
The working space, as infinity said.

There may be some part of the NEMA 3R rating for the discos that requires more distance from the ground, but this is rarely well documented. Maybe better to call out workmanship.

Other than those things, there is nothing wrong in principle, if the distances were different.
 
If was a new install (maybe even if not) you could dig a "window well" , like goes outside around windows in a basement and place gravel in the bottom of the window well. This might help with splashing and water intrusion. Not a requirement, just a suggestion.
 
See these installs all the time. Created by the HVAC guy that comes in after the switch is run. They set the equipment in front of the disconnect and then complain about getting the compressor wire run.

#3 looks like the cover won't close because of additional wires run into the front.

Are they on the edge of a walkway? So no wall to mount them on? That would make them subject to damage unless they are rated for pedestrian traffic. Could easily see kids walking along and see the little step to the side and just step off onto them as they walk.
 
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