Locked Service Panels

[danel21]

After a recent visit from the Insurance company, all service/distribution panels were locked. My boss told me that the Insurance represenative insisted on this action. My feelings are that this creates more of a safety issue by restricting access in event of fire or other electrical emergency. It prevents someone from opening a breaker when their fellow employee is in danger.
I would like to support my position with a refferance from the NEC or NFPA to give my supervisor a basis change this policy. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks

 

[roger]

The NEC does not prohibit locking covers or locking doors where panels are located, it is a common practice. Breakers are not intended to be E-stops or E-offs.

Roger

 

[cowboyjwc]

I agree with Roger.

All it refers to is if you have multiple tenents, such as a strip mall, that they must all have access to their main service disconnect, with some exceptions.

 

[danel21]

Thanks for the quick replies, I have been basing my arguments on the provisions which allow the use of circuit breakers to control lighting (when marked). This now requires that one of the few of us who have keys turn on or off the lights daily. In a manufacturing plant with over 25 acres are under the roof this has become quite a task.
I was hoping that someone had a reference for Fire safety. After 40 years of doing this type of work I have never seen this type of panel locked.
Thanks again

 

[cowboyjwc]

Well I do see the point that if they expect everyone to turn on the lights, then locking the panels doesn't make much sense.

At the plant I worked at they didn't want this so we took care of it with some lighting contactors and switches.