Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

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Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

I am with Ryan's first 2 posts on this one. This always gets a red tag from me. My boss always brings up the scenario of a switch in the backsplash above a 2 foot deep kitchen counter, should I be disallowing those also... I won't go there. I do not think anyone should have to leanover or against a condenser to measure voltage.
Rick
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Rick,
My boss always brings up the scenario of a switch in the backsplash above a 2 foot deep kitchen counter, should I be disallowing those also... I won't go there.
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why not go there, a switch is a switch.

Back to the question at hand, after we have moved this switch to accommodate the red tag, and then confirmed we have voltage at the load side of the switch, what's next?

Next we do the contortionist act and try to get our metering probes into the A/C's wiring compartment up against a wall or what have you.

If the switch is really a problem, then what about this part of the trouble shooting process?


Roger
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Hi Roger,

Equipment. A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and the like used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
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The A/C units must comply with the NEC also!
Doesn't matter what trade installs them.
If they are placed in the wrong rotation to provide the safe access or too close to the wall or other object to provide the safe access, then we have a violation of the NEC.
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Then we must apply the rule to every 4" square box, a simple 4" square is equipment.

Every counter top outlet, the outlet is above an obstruction.

I still do not see it as black and white, it is murky gray.

Is there a list somewhere of what equipment it applies to and what equipment is exempt?
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

The only reason this disc is over the AC is because of lack of comunication between the AC and electrical contractors and the job super.Something needs to be done to stop it and if that needs to be a red tag then let it happen.What ever happened to blue prints
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Bob............!!

Must EVERY item and EVERY scenario be covered in print??

I often wonder if we can somehow change the original reaction to code requirements from hostile to one of trying to understand what the authors had in mind and how we can make educated decisions based on what is printed.

Too often the conversations turn from sharing experience and wisdom to conversations of pointing out the trees and thorns as opposed to seeing the forest!
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Dave wanting to know what equipment a rule applies to is a legitimate question. :)

Your view is 110.26 covers X, Y and Z but not T,U and V. Thats cool. ;)

Bob
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

I had this very discussion here awhile back and I don't totally agree. If the disconnect has a dead front that has live parts behind it that must be removed to check for voltage then yes it must comply with 110.26, But we use a disconnect that does not have a dead front nor does it have any exposed live parts when installed correctly. Yes it has two holes that you can stick you voltage meter probes in to safely check for voltage. But in no way can you come in contect with anything that is live. It is even listed by UL with out any dead front! Now this disconect that can be opened by anyone and I mean anyone! even a child and is UL listed Because it does not have any exposed LIVE PARTS! If for any reason you would have to change it or the wires you would not even think of trying to do this without turning off the breaker feeding this disconnect. It even has a warning label in the cover that say not to work on it live. so I think this type of disconnect does meet the requirement that " there is NO examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.

This disconnect is a 60 amp pullout type with a molded terminal block that encloses all live parts. A spokes's person I talked to told me that this was the intent of this design was to allow for a disconnect in a tight area. that 110.26 would not come into play just readily accessible.

The model # is a U3800 and can be looked up at:

Milbank Manufacturing Web Site

Or Click the link Below

U3800 A/C Disconnect (717 kb)

[ June 08, 2004, 09:21 PM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Wayne,

UL listing covers specific applications for the product. I have found out that manufacturers will have their product listed under a miscellaneous category in the file and then market it for a specific application that it was not tested for. Going to the UL web site, www.ul.com, you can check a manufacturer or product category to see the listings.

"I often wonder if we can somehow change the original reaction to code requirements from hostile to one of trying to understand what the authors had in mind and how we can make educated decisions based on what is printed."

Dave - a comment about following the intent of what is written, the 2nd amendment to the Constitution is probably the best example of trying to understand the intent after the fact and all the interpretations that are currently out there of it.
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

I sent the picture to NFPA today and here is their reply:

1. If the switch is ?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?, it is readily accessible.

We cannot evaluate photographs for the purposes of determining NEC compliance.

In this case, determination of NEC compliance requires on-site assessment which is the responsibility of the authority having jurisdiction.

2. All electrical equipment is required to have sufficient access and working space and if this enclosed switch/disconnecting means is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized the working space shall be as described in 110.26(A)(1) through (A)(3).

Determination of whether this specific equipment requires the 110.26(A) working space is the responsibility of the authority having jurisdiction based on the likelihood that it will require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized. We cannot evaluate photographs for the purposes of determining NEC compliance.

In this case, determination of NEC compliance requires on-site assessment of the equipment which is the responsibility of the authority having jurisdiction.

This correspondence is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations.

Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author, and does not necessarily represent the official position of the NFPA or its Technical Committees.

In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.
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Then I received an email with the following:

The condenser unit also requires two things.

1) Service access as required in the Mechanical Codes, typically the same 30" by 36" as in the NEC.

2) The same 30" by 36" working space at the electrical equipment access area to the condenser unit.

On that style (shape) of condenser unit, the service access and electrical equipment access area is at the corner, with the removable access cover wrapping around the corner.

The best way to provide that space (service access space and working space) for those units is to install the units so the service access corner is not facing the wall.

If you were to take the one in your photo, rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise, you would now have all clearances required.

3) Space must be as in 1) or 2), unless shown differently on the installation instructions.

I have seen some shown with even more space required, some with less space, many show that 30" by 36" space.

Then, of course, there is the clearance from the wall, etc., as required by the installation instructions, which, being as it is a piece of electrical equipment, must also be installed in accordance with its listing and labeling, i.e., in accordance with the installation instructions.

Clearance from wall, clearance from another a/c condenser unit, clearance above, not under roof runoff, etc.
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Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

Joe: Nice to hear from you and thanks for the information.

You asked my opinion regarding the location of the disconnect for the outdoor compressor unit for an air conditioner. In residential work we often see the disconnect mounted on the wall directly behind the unit with no working space for the switch. I believe this to be an NEC code violation. Section 110.26(A) requires 3 ft. of space in front of this switch, and Section 440.14 requires the disconnect to be both within sight and readily accessible. The switch is not readily accessible if one has to reach over the A/C equipment to operate it or to test for voltage.Whether the switch is fused or non-fused the rules are the same. Hope this helps.

Best regards. Creighton
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And yet another who agrees that the violations are evident.
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

I agree with Dave and Ryan, as this is not quite the same as a countertop. The countertops are not usually grounded, especially grounded such as the metallic frame of the condensor. The first paragraph of 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment. Is a litte more broad (general) than 110.26(A), and does cover just about anything that is electrical.
Are there some 'gray' areas, yes, but not for this type of installation. How about the service call that requires the electrician or HVAC tech to go to the property and no one is home, with the building being locked (no access). The power cannot be turned off and some kind of test will occur, as we all know. To me a 1,000,000 guys can do this, but 1 gets hurt or killed is a bad thing.
I have in my short tenure as an inspector had some junction boxes relocated just for this reason. How many times have we heard someone say that they got 'blasted' while working in a very tight space on a junction box?
If one permits this to occur, one becomes an enabler for it to happen over and over. If one is to red tag and make either move their respective equipment, than another person has learned, and will teach the people who follow them.

Pierre
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

I agree with the safety issue. What if a person de-energized the unit by pulling the disconnect arm. cool. No power to the unit. But then lays across the unit or leans against it, (which is grounded) to say change a fuse while the line side is energized. Then they slip. 120v right threw the body to the point where his stomach is touching the unit. In our area, the position of the disconnect in the picture would fail inspection.
Although new disconnects have protective covers, older ones were not present or reinstalled after repaired.
 
Re: Is this AC unit switch "readily accessible", o

One other thing.. Doesnt the code state that the disconnect has to be.....

1. Within site of
2. Not more than 50ft away....

so why would you put it directly behind the unit with this much latitude to consider?
 
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