Flourecent disconnects

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hcecabigdog

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I know most of the manufacturers are install the quick connects, but what if an electrician has a bunch of olt lights and decides to install a switch. Going by hte words in the code book, it must be accessible to qualified persons. Does this mean "only" qualified persons or could the wall switch at the door be used as the disconnect. I have my thoughts and am disagreeing with my boss. Help me out here, please.
 
i remember seeing a graphic showing the switch installed in the ceiling next to the fixture. there may be some type of distance rule on the disconnect, eliminating the wall switch. also, doesn't each fixture require an individual disconnect? sorry i can't give you a code reference at the moment.
 
brantmacga said:
i remember seeing a graphic showing the switch installed in the ceiling next to the fixture. there may be some type of distance rule on the disconnect, eliminating the wall switch. also, doesn't each fixture require an individual disconnect? sorry i can't give you a code reference at the moment.
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Each light needs a disconnecting means 410.130G
 
hcecabigdog said:
I know most of the manufacturers are install the quick connects, but what if an electrician has a bunch of olt lights and decides to install a switch. Going by hte words in the code book, it must be accessible to qualified persons. Does this mean "only" qualified persons or could the wall switch at the door be used as the disconnect. I have my thoughts and am disagreeing with my boss. Help me out here, please.
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Just the way you asked got me to thinking your mixing up issues.
Manufactures are required to install the disconnect inside the florescent fixture. IE quick disconnects, and this is to isolate the individual lamps usage and change the ballast.
Your real mix up in my mind is that a means of disconnect can well be a simple snap switch and rated to be used as a disconnect means, via the switch.
The service should is to be locked out before getting serviced per OSHA, not the NEC. The NEC just like qualified person, to understand this :)
There are lock outs for a simple (rated or not) blade switches.
 
hcecabigdog said:
I know most of the manufacturers are install the quick connects, but what if an electrician has a bunch of olt lights and decides to install a switch. Going by hte words in the code book, it must be accessible to qualified persons. Does this mean "only" qualified persons or could the wall switch at the door be used as the disconnect. I have my thoughts and am disagreeing with my boss. Help me out here, please.
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A wall switch can only be used as the disconnecting means if it does not put the area in total darkness, is within sight and the luminaire is not supplied by a multiwire branch circuit. IMSO

410.130(G)(1) exception #5 and 410.130(3)

Edit to add 2008 NEC
 
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The whole idea is you can safely unplug the balast without leaving the entire office in the dark while you change the ballast. You are supposed to unplug the light with power off then repower the ckt and change the ballast. Then power down then reconnect the plug disconnect. Funny isnt it?? How many will actually do it this way??
 
quogueelectric said:
The whole idea is you can safely unplug the balast without leaving the entire office in the dark while you change the ballast. You are supposed to unplug the light with power off then repower the ckt and change the ballast. Then power down then reconnect the plug disconnect. Funny isnt it?? How many will actually do it this way??
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The section was changed because of the large number of electrocutions and injuries occurring when maintenance personnel attempt to replace a ballast without removing power from the luminare
 
jmsbrush said:
The section was changed because of the large number of electrocutions and injuries occurring when maintenance personnel attempt to replace a ballast without removing power from the luminare
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I will guarantee you 99% of those electrocutions were untrained personell.
 
quogueelectric said:
The whole idea is you can safely unplug the balast without leaving the entire office in the dark while you change the ballast. You are supposed to unplug the light with power off then repower the ckt and change the ballast. Then power down then reconnect the plug disconnect. Funny isnt it?? How many will actually do it this way??
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How many will still have a job if they do this ?
 
Robertb said:
Must disconnect the ungrounded and grounded conductor at the same time.
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That's only required if the fixture is fed from a MWBC

Roger
 
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