Disconnecting means .

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bernardmulherin1978

bernardmulherin1978

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augusta georgia
Ok . I have a air handler inside a office , the panel is twenty feet from the air handler in sight . do I need a separate disconnect . there is one more problem if I do . I can't Mount a disconnect inside this small space and be within code here are some pics . thanks
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It entirely depends on the air handler in question, which you didn't say.

Many are plugged into a dedicated receptacle in that little closet. That's your disconnect.
 
A picky inspector could argue that the corner next to the panel impedes sight of the panel, but I'd allow it.
 
The requirement is that the disconnecting mean be "located within sight from" so from the unit can you see the panel?

440.14 Location. Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from and readily accessible from the air-
conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within
the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.
Click to expand...
 
If your standing in front of the air handler . technically you can not see the panel and I realize that . you can only see the side of the wall . it probably can go either way . I am trying to argue the fact that it is 25 feet away and that there is no room to Mount a disconnect in this closet . even if I Mount it on the front of the air handler you would not be able to shut the door on the closet . so I was unsure about mounting it on the air handler itself but clearly I can right ?

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It can mount to the unit as long as it does not interfere with removing any access covers. I recommend asking the inspector before proceeding to avoid wasting time and money. That's what they're there for (among other things.)

It does look like a pull-out disconnect or a small sub-panel (depending on the supply circuit and the number of strip circuits in the heater) could fit on the drywall between the two rectangular holes, presuming they will be patched.
 
The unit calls to be rated at 90 amps . the disconnect will Mount on the wall correct . but the door will not open all the way . and in what section in the code book tells us about what kind of clearance you need and just room period . I appreciate you guys taking the time help me , And I did talk to the inspector she will get back with me in the morning and give me an answer .

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bernardmulherin1978 said:
The unit calls to be rated at 90 amps.
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Okay, 90a most likely means 15kw (10 and 5), so you could use a 100 or 125a, 4-ckt panel with no door, and a 60 and a 30a breaker. That also takes care of splitting the two supply conductors into four.

You should be able to use the floor space in front of the closet as part of the working clearance. Just make sure they don't put a wall for a door lamb there.

Something like this:

square-d-individual-subpanels-hom48l125gc-64_1000.jpg


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-...r-with-Cover-Ground-Bar-HOM48L125GC/100160907
 
Ok . there has been pulled to the unit #4 Cooper to the unit . I haven't even looked into to splitting the feed . this among other things were thrown in my lap . there are two double pole breakers on the unit itself . I have not opened it up and even looked at the connections on it . so question . does it hook up landing the feed on the unit and then it splits or do I have to bring the feed into a disconnect and come out with the two separate feeds . amd if I can get by with using the panel for my disconnect then at the unit it would have to separate inside the unit . so my question would be now there arm two #4 and a ground going from the panel to the unit . do they have to separate and at what point .

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bernardmulherin1978 said:
there are two double pole breakers on the unit itself .
Click to expand...
If they're accessible from the outside of the unit, you're home free; they're your disconnecting means.

I have not opened it up and even looked at the connections on it . so question . does it hook up landing the feed on the unit and then it splits or do I have to bring the feed into a disconnect and come out with the two separate feeds .
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There are usually separate terminals for each breaker.

if I can get by with using the panel for my disconnect then at the unit it would have to separate inside the unit . so my question would be now there arm two #4 and a ground going from the panel to the unit . do they have to separate and at what point .
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See my previous answer. You'd need to create taps.

You really need to open that puppy up. I carry my electric screwdriver and driver bit set to do many of my estimates, depending on the work.
 
Ok it separates in the unit . I just need a disconnecting means . there is still no where to Mount the 100 amp disconnect . I put a call into the inspector . thank you
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The door on a disconnect only needs to open 90 degrees, however you only need a 100 amp panel, as shown above with no door and only 2 spaces. That should work.

The only possible issue is that #4 is only good for 85 amps so even with a 90 amp breaker I am not sure that would be compliant. Does the unit have minimum circuit?
 
bernardmulherin1978 said:
Ok it separates in the unit . I just need a disconnecting means . there is still no where to Mount the 100 amp disconnect . I put a call into the inspector . thank you
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I see in the very first pic in the opening post that there is what looks like a cover over the breakers. Can the breaker handles be accessed through that? If so, I repeat that you don't need another disconnect, especially if the breaker handles can remain exposed.

But, just in case, these are all rated at 100a or more:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-C...Lug-Loadcenter-with-Cover-CH2L125SP/300848715

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...ad-Center-Copper-Bus-E0204ML1125FCU/302556123

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Murray-125-Amp-2-Space-4-Circuit-Main-Lug-Load-Center-LC002HS/202253184
 
LarryFine said:
A picky inspector could argue that the corner next to the panel impedes sight of the panel, but I'd allow it.
Click to expand...

I agree--it doesn't meet the letter but it does the intent and then common sense needs to come into play also
 
So with it having a cut off point on the unit , I do not have to put another point of disconnect , there is a rubber cover over the breakers on the unit so you can switch it off , what section in the code book is that , and thank you

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I just want to make sure I am 100 percent correct, even if the panel was not close or out of complete sight . the breakers on the unit count as a means of disconnect .

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bernardmulherin1978 said:
So with it having a cut off point on the unit , I do not have to put another point of disconnect , there is a rubber cover over the breakers on the unit so you can switch it off , what section in the code book is that , and thank you
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Correct, the rubber cover makes the breakers your disconnects. Congrats!

Art. 440-14 is your section. The rubber cover makes the breakers readily accessible.
 
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