Horizontal Disconnect

[shannonm1]

There's a disconnect (NFSS) needing mounted on a wall. I'd like to mount it horizontally on the wall to keep the handle below 6'7". I'm having trouble finding any code references stating if it's allowed or not. Everything I find references a "breaker" or "overcurrent device". This has neither. Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[rc/retired]

There's a disconnect (NFSS) needing mounted on a wall. I'd like to mount it horizontally on the wall to keep the handle below 6'7". I'm having trouble finding any code references stating if it's allowed or not. Everything I find references a "breaker" or "overcurrent device". This has neither. Any thoughts are appreciated!

I don't see anything in 404.6 that prohibits a horizontal position.

Ron

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Are you on 2020. 240.33 may apply.

 

[shannonm1]

Are you on 2020. 240.33 may apply.

2023

 

[jaggedben]

If it's rated NEMA 3R for installing outdoors you will void that rating by putting it sideways, and make it no longer suitable for being installed outside.

If it's inside, I can't point to any problem.

 

[Eddie702]

I think this is an oldie from the past and may not apply to modern switches that switches were to be mounted so the knives would fall open. I am sure that was written for the old Knife switches

 

[letgomywago]

I think this is an oldie from the past and may not apply to modern switches that switches were to be mounted so the knives would fall open. I am sure that was written for the old Knife switches

Only thing is Canada doesn't have this rule and it's not like a 3rd world electrical system there's even safety rules that are envied by us here.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

2023

If memory serves there was a language change in 2020. They deleted some words that was in 2017. I would make sure the new language would fit your installation.

Then you could talk with your ahj and ask there option as well. Might make a good holiday conversation and build a relationship.

 

[Fred B]

404.7 Indicating.
General-use and motor-circuit switches, circuit breakers, and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means, whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.
Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is this a knife switch????

404.6(B) Double-Throw Knife Switches. Double-throw knife
switches shall be permitted to be mounted so that the throw is
either vertical or horizontal. Where the throw is vertical, integral
mechanical means shall be provided to hold the blades in
the open position when so set.

 

[shannonm1]

Is this a knife switch????

A standard non-fused disconnect.
If I mounted vertically / normal, at its lowest, the center of the handle would be 6' 10.5"

 

[jaggedben]

404.7 Indicating.
General-use and motor-circuit switches, circuit breakers, and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall indicate, in a location that is visible when accessing the external operating means, whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.
Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position.

I read that as prohibiting installation upside down, but not sideways.

 

[darekelec]

Can you find a disconnect operated by a hook switch?
Meaning a stick attached to the on/off handle so it hangs below 6’7”