I bought 8 disconnect switches to be used as main service disconnects for an 8 unit apartment building. I completed the work. I just realized that the disconnects are rated for general purpose switches. Can they be used for service disconnects? Can someone point me in the correct direction of the NEC?
General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
- Thread starter torint
- Start date
- Status
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
Since you have 8 disconnects, I am assuming you have a main disconnect ahead of these? Are these 8 disconnects fusible?
This is a little out of my league, but wouldn't only the main disconnect have to be rated for use as service equipment?
Since you have 8 disconnects, I am assuming you have a main disconnect ahead of these? Are these 8 disconnects fusible?
This is a little out of my league, but wouldn't only the main disconnect have to be rated for use as service equipment?
Re: General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
8 disconnects with 2 services... so I have 4 disconnect per service. I looked on the Cutler Hammer site that manufactured the General purpose disconnects that I'm using and they said that the disconnects are suitable for residential service entrance applications but it does not state that on the switch itself. The AHJ may have a problem with it not being stated on the disconnect. It does state that its a general purpose switch. Can residential service fall under "general purpose switch"?
8 disconnects with 2 services... so I have 4 disconnect per service. I looked on the Cutler Hammer site that manufactured the General purpose disconnects that I'm using and they said that the disconnects are suitable for residential service entrance applications but it does not state that on the switch itself. The AHJ may have a problem with it not being stated on the disconnect. It does state that its a general purpose switch. Can residential service fall under "general purpose switch"?
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
Re: General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
often these things come with a little sticker you have to add that actually says that it is suitable for use as service equipment.
you have to apply the sticker yourself.
often these things come with a little sticker you have to add that actually says that it is suitable for use as service equipment.
you have to apply the sticker yourself.
Re: General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
One definition of a general purpose switch is that it has a short circuit rating of 100,000 amps using class R fuses. A general purpose switch usually DOES NOT have a fuse block position for class J fuses.
A heavy duty switch is rated 200,000 amps short circuit using class J fuses.
One definition of a general purpose switch is that it has a short circuit rating of 100,000 amps using class R fuses. A general purpose switch usually DOES NOT have a fuse block position for class J fuses.
A heavy duty switch is rated 200,000 amps short circuit using class J fuses.
Re: General purpose switch vs. service disconnect
This switch is rated for 100,000a R fuses and I did apply the sticker that was supplied but just like Steve said, it can be debated that I bought the sticker somewhere else. The AHJ may want to see the words "suitable for service equipment" printed on the box.
This switch is rated for 100,000a R fuses and I did apply the sticker that was supplied but just like Steve said, it can be debated that I bought the sticker somewhere else. The AHJ may want to see the words "suitable for service equipment" printed on the box.
- Status