Disconnect

[don_resqcapt19]

Pierre,

It sounds like this section can use some massaging in the 2011 cycle... or change the definition of equipment

There have been a number of proposals on this issue in the past few code cycles. It is CMP1's opinion that there is no problem with this section.
Don

 

[George Stolz]

3C, is this disconnect required for compliance with some section of the NEC? If not, consider making it a junction box instead. Problem solved...?

I appreciate the need for safety, but question the idea that a disconnect is likely to require servicing while energized. If the disconnect is broken, it serves no function by being energized. If it's working, then it's probably a dead front switch that offers no energized parts to the person throwing the switch. So I'm left a little unsure about the majority opinion. (I'm aware I'm in a minority, here, arguing an unpopular angle.)

I'm looking at this from a purely NEC perspective, as I am unfamilar with NFPA 79 or OSHA regulations.

IMO.

 

[jwelectric]

3C, is this disconnect required for compliance with some section of the NEC? If not, consider making it a junction box instead. Problem solved...?

I appreciate the need for safety, but question the idea that a disconnect is likely to require servicing while energized. If the disconnect is broken, it serves no function by being energized. If it's working, then it's probably a dead front switch that offers no energized parts to the person throwing the switch. So I'm left a little unsure about the majority opinion. (I'm aware I'm in a minority, here, arguing an unpopular angle.)

I'm looking at this from a purely NEC perspective, as I am unfamilar with NFPA 79 or OSHA regulations.

IMO.

George I have heard this debated for years and can understand both sides of the debate.
You have chosen your side of the debate so I will take the other and we will search for that elusive 1000 post thread. No I shall not highjack this thread for that purpose but I will inject the other side of the debate for those who will listen.

Taking section 110.26 as a whole the opening paragraph states,
?Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.?

What catches my eye (blind in one so eye is singular) are the words provided and maintained and ? to permit ready and safe OPERATION and maintenance?

This is a requirement of 110.26. The words found in subpart (A) do not change the words found in the first paragraph but can add more stringent or alternant methods.
In (A) my eye catches the words, ? likely to require examination, ADJUSTMENT, servicing, or maintenance while energized?

What keeps going through my mind are the words operation and adjustment. To turn a disconnect on or off I will operate the handle and in so doing I have adjusted the state of the disconnect either one requiring the space required in Table 110.26.
If the disconnect contains fuses then the replacement of the fuses will require servicing and maintenance.
I just can?t help myself. In my humble opinion all disconnects require the required space found in Table 110.26 with no exceptions.

 

[dlhoule]

If it's working, then it's probably a dead front switch that offers no energized parts to the person throwing the switch.

What about the person who is trying to find out why they have no power to piece of equipment? I am lazy and would much rather check voltage at that disconnect than have to find a vertilift or ladder to get to bus plug feeding it.

 

[charlie b]

OK, Mike, I'll jump into the waters with you. Race you to the other end of the pool?

What catches my eye (blind in one so eye is singular) are the words provided and maintained and ” to permit ready and safe OPERATION and maintenance” This is a requirement of 110.26. The words found in subpart (A) do not change the words found in the first paragraph but can add more stringent or alternant methods.

But the minimum space requirements appear within the subpart (A). Therefore, they do not apply to the opening paragraph. If I provided and maintained sufficient space to access the disconnect switch for the purposes of operating it, I have met that part of the rule. I don't need a space 30 inches wide, 42 inches deep, and 6.5 feet high, just to operate the switch.

If there were no other reason to keep this space clear, such as is described in subpart (A), then you could put a table under a disconnect. You will note that the phrase, "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized," does not include the word "operation."

To turn a disconnect on or off I will . . . have adjusted the state of the disconnect . . . .

The code does not mention "adjusting the state of" a device. It mentions "adjustment" of the device. That means taking your screwdriver and tightening a mounting screw, or altering the setpoint of a relay, or some similar task.

I just can’t help myself. In my humble opinion all disconnects require the required space found in Table 110.26 with no exceptions.

I agree. But I agree because of maintenance-related tasks, not because of operation-related tasks.

 

[jim dungar]

So, I can never park my car in the garage because then I no longer have the proper distance in front of my water heater disconnect?

Wow, I can use 110.26 as an excuse, with my wife, to not clean the garage (other than immediately in front of the water heater) this weekend?

 

[George Stolz]

Mike, I don't think we'll hit a 1000 on this one (for other reasons than a lack of energy).

That's fine, but since there are no exceptions and since a receptacle is equipment, the code required kitchen countertop receptacles are code violations.

My main point is exactly what Don addressed - there is no distinction made between receptacles, disconnects, or service gear. So, items requiring working space are in the eye of the beholder.

I am a minimalist to the core. I'd hate to be barred from an installation that's perfectly safe, because of a language mistake. So I am very leary of committing too much stock into the power of a section without looking at it's weaknesses. The "receptacle" weakness is profound in this section, IMO.

I can't get impassioned about it without having doubts, one way or another. The disconnect in question could very well require working space, 24/7. But IMO, the only person/institution who can answer this question is the AHJ.

JMO. - Did I mention that?

 

[iwire]

IMO the inspector has flexibility with this issue and I would like to see it stay that way.

Not all switches need to comply with 110.26.

How many motors do we see that do not comply with 110.26?

How about disconnects above suspended ceilings for equipment mounted up there?

Now that said.....

Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

I agree.

For the rest of the pictures go here

 

[allenwayne]

In regards to the pic,it goes with what I stated all in that pic are removeable.In a perfect world people wouldn`t place objects in front of panels/electrical equiptment but as we all know we are not in THE PERFECT WORLD.

 

[dlhoule]

Quote:
Originally Posted by charlie b
Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.


I agree.

Gee they were nice enough to cut the drywall so you can at least see the light switch. What do you want?

 

[M. D.]

That is quite a picture!!

?Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.?

I'm not sure this would take the AHJ to determine unless the the folks who have to proform theses functions want the table moved , if they do , and can then demonstate the above is not satisfied ,.... either the table must be moved or the switch.
I find the term ready an interesting one ,.... ready , as in should not have to move a table or the crap on it???

I guess I agree with Charlie B.

"If I provided and maintained sufficient space to access the disconnect switch for the purposes of operating it, I have met that part of the rule. I don't need a space 30 inches wide, 42 inches deep, and 6.5 feet high, just to operate the switch".

The only words I would change "for the purpooses of ready operation....."