Garbage disposal shut off switch

[nascar03]

Recently a superintend ant at one of our tracts required a disposal switch be within three feet of the disposal. This was based on a call an inspector had made a couple of years earlier. Now, the code is not specific in this requirement, however common sense would seem to be, that if something happens and you need to shut it off, 3 feet seems reasonable to ask for. Not enforceable; but I do agree with him that it could be subject to interpretation. What do you think?

[ May 26, 2005, 10:39 AM: Message edited by: nascar03 ]

 

[petersonra]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Is it hard wired?

Why not a plug and cord so it can be unplugged?

 

[mdshunk]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

I think that if this inspector feels that this is important, he should submit a 2008 proposal. Beyond that, inspectors making up their own rules in the field sucks... whether or not the rule is a "good idea".

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Life,Health & Safety.
Is the scope of it all and is at the begining of ALL code books.
and the NEC states that these are all MINUMUM requirements stated w/in.

 

[iwire]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Originally posted by be4jc:
Life,Health & Safety.
Is the scope of it all and is at the begining of ALL code books.
and the NEC states that these are all MINUMUM requirements stated w/in.

That does not mean the inspectors are free to add to them.

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

2002 NEC 404.8 (A) Location: All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessable place.

Readily Accessable: capable of being reached QUICKLY for operation.

(As determined by local jurisdiction)

 

[petersonra]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Originally posted by be4jc:
2002 NEC 404.8 (A) Location: All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessable place.

Readily Accessable: capable of being reached QUICKLY for operation.

(As determined by local jurisdiction)

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.

As determined by article 110 and not by AHJ.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Originally posted by petersonra:

As determined by article 110 and not by AHJ.

Well said! Bravo!

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

NEC 2002 Handbook
90.4 Enforcement.
This code is intendedto be suitable for mandatory application by govern mental bodies that exersize legal jurisdiction over electrical installations.
The AHJ for enforcement of the code has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of equip. & materials, and for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of rules.

Section 90.4 advises that all materials and Equip. used under the requirements of this code are subject to the approval of the AHJ.
The text of 90.7, 110.2, & 110.3along w/ the definitions of Approved, Identified, labled, & listed, is intende to provide a basis for the AHJ to make the judgements that fall w/in that particular area of responsibility.

Read the FPN Under the definition of AHJ

 

[roger]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

be4, 90.4 still doesn't allow an inspector to make up his own rules.

Don't you think that is a little insulting to the CMP members and contributing others who spend hours, days, months, and even years to come up with a code, only to have some individual think he can write a better rule on his/her own?

Roger

 

[George Stolz]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Sir, the position of enforcing this 800 page document is difficult enough, why add to it? You'd just be making your own job harder. Trying to use 90.4, and 110.2 to cite violations is like failing a house because it's cloudy today.

'I don't approve it because I'm the AHJ, I can do as I please.' That is a technically correct statement, but that kind of attitude is irresponsible. (I'm not implying it's been said.)

If the code states the switch has to be within three feet, peachy. If the text doesn't specify such things, why woud one feel compelled to create your own specs?

I understand you could be playing devil's advocate, but being a building inspector and adopting this stance exposes you to the full wrath of us grumps.

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Oh I agree that setting a standard such as 3' is not right when it's not stated in the code as such.

All I'm saying is that the call has backing in the codebooks

AHJ FPN (partial)In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
And in the long run thats who I'm looking out for

B.E. Building Inspector II
Gen. Contractor

 

[dillon3c]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

In a related subject..
Does anyones AHJ in their area,require the EC to install a switch, for the disconnection of power to a dwelling unit dishwasher?

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

No
Either Plug & cord connected w/in sight of appliance which is an approved disco
or breaker that is capable of being locked in the open position

 

[pierre]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

If the dishwasher is hardwired, with no marked "off" position.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

"If the dishwasher is hardwired, with no marked "off" position."

how about a lockout on the breaker ?

Can anyone show me where it says i even need a switch for that disposal ? Yes i know not practicle but who says it cant run 24 /7.So 3 foot rule is pushing it.In general i try to put it on right side of sink close as possable but thats out of trying to serve the customer.

[ June 08, 2005, 06:11 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]

 

[dillon3c]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Originally posted by nascar03:
required a disposal switch be within three feet of the disposal. This was based on a call an inspector had made a couple of years earlier.

Well, this caught my eye.Started not to say anything but..The jurisdiction where I reside,and is just a local reqirements mind you.

Electrical contractors,that are doing residental wiring of dwellings units,are required in this jurisdiction to install a switch in a handy-box with cover(or,box w/switch cover, for the disconnecting means of a undercounter hard-wired dishwasher,regardless of the breaker-lock.

It is a "local requirement" in this area, for the sevicing of dishwasher w/ motor.

It's not a local requirement to be of the "ready accessible" location,but for switch to be in dishwasher cavity mind you, behind the removable kick-plate,at bottom of the dishwasher unit ..(*where said, to prefer to have it)

"This enclosure" that switch is mounted in,doesn't need to be attached,or even secured to unit..But will be present.

This came to mind,after the reading of his "Local Inspectors" requirements of his motor-rated appliance..And wondering,if others are being required, in doing the same for their "dishwasher/appliance" in the areas of their AHJ's, requirement also.

Edited:-O-F-F..can still be present,on the door.

[ June 08, 2005, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]

 

[be4jc]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

You know I wonder if maybe the 3' to the switch as mentioned was not a city or county adopted ordinance where this all started from, Just a thought!!!

[ June 08, 2005, 07:02 PM: Message edited by: be4jc ]

 

[dillon3c]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

jc, had to step away to feed the dogs,came back in hope someone had a thought in expansion on this issue.

My jurisdictions thinking,
The energy feeding this dishwasher,is connected to the unit itself.Not connected the door where the O-F-F switch is present.

This door,can be damaged in the home and need of being replaced.You can unplugg/ take the door off unit,but dishwasher unit itself could, still be energized in the servicing.

So this jurisdiction requires the switch/location, to disconnect power to the unit for servicing,reqardless of the marked O-F-F on the appliance door of this motor rated equipment.

Can't help for the wondering,if the originals posters inspector, is thinking the same thing maybe? -I just don't know..

[ June 08, 2005, 07:36 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Garbage disposal shut off switch

Originally posted by dillon3c:
My jurisdictions thinking,
The energy feeding this dishwasher,is connected to the unit itself.Not connected the door where the O-F-F switch is present.

This door,can be damaged in the home and need of being replaced.You can unplugg/ take the door off unit,but dishwasher unit itself could, still be energized in the servicing.

So this jurisdiction requires the switch/location, to disconnect power to the unit for servicing,reqardless of the marked O-F-F on the appliance door of this motor rated equipment.

Is there a written amendment changing the NEC?

The NEC clearly allow a marked off switch to serve as the disconnect.