Florescent Fixtures and Ballast

[wireddd]

As we all know that manufactures now have to install a disconnect for the ballast in their new fixtures does anyone know if there is a rule where you have to install one in a existing fixture that you are just replacing a defective ballast in?

 

[chris kennedy]

I would as per 410.130(G).

 

[surf more]

guess you would need them also on ballast that you stab wires into,or would that qualify as disconnect?

 

[wireddd]

We have started doing it as a matter of course, even though it adds to the cost of repair. This way when a non electrician or a handy man repairs it he can kill the power. If he knows what a disconnect is.

A stab in wiring ballast probably couldn't be considered a disconnect as you would still be working on it live.

 

[surf more]

that is what i was thinking

 

[mjf]

Hmmmmmm

Hmmmmmm

ya mean them there wire nuts ain't not no disconnect?

 

[yanici]

I always used my Klein lineman pliers as a disconnect. Worked every time. :grin:

 

[chris kennedy]

I always used my Klein lineman pliers as a disconnect. Worked every time. :grin:

410.130(G)(2) Multiwire Branch Circuits.
When connected to multiwire branch circuits, the disconnecting means shall simultaneously break all the supply conductors to the ballast, including the grounded conductor.

You must go through through a bunch of Kleins.

 

[yanici]

You must go through through a bunch of Kleins.

Naw, I have the old single-pole Kleins. :grin:

 

[cpal]

As we all know that manufactures now have to install a disconnect for the ballast in their new fixtures does anyone know if there is a rule where you have to install one in a existing fixture that you are just replacing a defective ballast in?

I don't see where the mfg has to supply a disconnect.
410.130(G) Disconnecting Means.
(1) General. In indoor locations other than dwellings and associated accessory structures, fluorescent luminaires that utilize double-ended lamps and contain ballast(s) that can be serviced in place shall have a disconnecting means either internal or external to each luminaire. The line side terminals of the disconnecting means shall be guarded.

 

[weressl]

I would as per 410.130(G).

So what authority would make that requirement retroactive?

In other words if the fixture was installed before that Code requirement came to be why would the replacement-in-kind ballast require the installation of a means of disconnect?

Not to mention all the exceptions where it is not required.

 

[sameguy]

The disconnect is called a switch or a breaker!
Why must we make our work idiot proof? What happened to competent, qualified,trained, personnel?
Oh then you would have to pay them. We are becoming nothing more than "burger flippers"

 

[LarryFine]

Why must we make our work idiot proof?

Because they keep coming out with new and improved idiots.

We are becoming nothing more than "burger flippers"

But, we're qualified enough to know which burger to flip, and how.

 

[jusme123]

what would happen if you replaced a bedroom receptacle in a 20 year old house, would you then be obligated to change the breaker?

 

[sameguy]

Larry, all fine points as usual.

 

[Ohmy]

what would happen if you replaced a bedroom receptacle in a 20 year old house, would you then be obligated to change the breaker?

Maybe...but you would deffinitely go back in with a TR device.

 

[weressl]

The disconnect is called a switch or a breaker!
Why must we make our work idiot proof? What happened to competent, qualified,trained, personnel?
Oh then you would have to pay them. We are becoming nothing more than "burger flippers"

Lamp replacement was not electrical work, but janitorial duty. When fluorescent fixtures came to be, the janitors were fighting for ballast replacement to be part of their duties.

This I know.

What I do not know, but I think it is a reasonable assumption, that as the resultant mishandling resulted in electrical shock and injury and that the disconnect is a 'legal' response to a technical issue. That technical issue shold be a non-issue for a competent electrician. (So are many of the arc-flash issues, but that's an other kettle of fish....)