thirtyseven
Member
I believe somewhere in the NEC it states directly or indirectly that CBs can not be locked 'on' unless the trip device can still trip in an overcurrent event. I have been searching for too long....is this in the code??? help!
Locking Breakers "on"
- Thread starter thirtyseven
- Start date
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- Location
- Massachusetts
You will not find that exactly. In some cases the NEC requires a locked on breaker.
What you can find is 240.80 which requires breakers to be of a trip free design.
You can also find 700.12(F) exception which requires the breaker to be locked on for emergency battery units.
What you can find is 240.80 which requires breakers to be of a trip free design.
You can also find 700.12(F) exception which requires the breaker to be locked on for emergency battery units.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Even locked in the on position, the CB will trip when required.
thirtyseven
Member
Hmmm, now I may be more confused. I don't believe I've ever really read 240.80. What is meant by "trip free"? CBs are suppose to trip in overcurrent events. In 700.12 F, what would be the point of a breaker for overcurrent protection if it was locked on?
I wasn't thing of 230.92...
Thanks! I appreciate your input.
I wasn't thing of 230.92...
Thanks! I appreciate your input.
- Location
- Massachusetts
"Trip Free" means the breaker will trip no matter the position of the handle. You could super glue the handle in the on position and the breaker will still trip. Of course you would not be able to reset it.
A breaker 'lock on' only keeps people from turning the circuit off. :smile:
A breaker 'lock on' only keeps people from turning the circuit off. :smile:
Just another part of the rumor destruction team in action 
. Once something escapes the pages of the codebook, there is no telling how much spin it can develop (right down to the fact that it can grow legs of it's own!)
Lots of false perceptions exist for various reasons about code sections, fun part is throwing them out here in the forum for getting hashed out. Interesting facts roll in from all over.
. Once something escapes the pages of the codebook, there is no telling how much spin it can develop (right down to the fact that it can grow legs of it's own!)Lots of false perceptions exist for various reasons about code sections, fun part is throwing them out here in the forum for getting hashed out. Interesting facts roll in from all over.
thirtyseven
Member
Brilliant...thanks!! I have been it this business way too long to admit I did not know the definition of trip free. I suppose a CB handle is just the disconnect portion of the circuit...hmmm, who knew??? THANKS again! What a great forum....my first time here!
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