I hope it is all right to repost archived post that are not fully answered.
In one of the archived postings Doug Munsey;
Email: dmunsey@sunwestelect.com
Location: California
Title: Estimator project manager
In Trade Since: 1997
Registered: Feb. 2003
Total Posts: 1
posted February 17, 2003 at 07:48 PM; Wrote
Russel Miller
Email: senergy4@earthlink.net
Location: Illinois
Title: Electrician/Elect Inspector
In Trade Since: 1972
Registered: Jul. 2002
Total Posts: 166
posted February 17, 2003 at 08:33 PM
who Wrote;
What do others here think about circuit breaker handles located higher than 6'6".
--
Tom
In one of the archived postings Doug Munsey;
Email: dmunsey@sunwestelect.com
Location: California
Title: Estimator project manager
In Trade Since: 1997
Registered: Feb. 2003
Total Posts: 1
posted February 17, 2003 at 07:48 PM; Wrote
One of the replies was byWe have a 350kw stand-by emergency generator set with a 500 gallon skid mounted fuel tank. The main circuit breaker is at seven foot to center above finished floor. Our question is: Does this violate the NEC? If so, should generator set manufacture provided access to said main circuit breaker? Or, does code allow an authorized personal to use a ladder to reset the main circuit breaker?
Russel Miller
Email: senergy4@earthlink.net
Location: Illinois
Title: Electrician/Elect Inspector
In Trade Since: 1972
Registered: Jul. 2002
Total Posts: 166
posted February 17, 2003 at 08:33 PM
who Wrote;
This issue has come up before for me in other contexts. Am I correct in believing that circuit breakers that are not being used as switches need only be accessible rather than readily accessible? Is it reasonable to say as one inspector did that all circuit breakers are used as switches when servicing the protected wiring? The issue in that case was the addition of an enclosed breaker to a very crowded electrical closet to serve as the feeder OCPD for a panel located elsewhere. An informal appeal to his chief inspector got the job signed off but that does not mean he was wrong.This would also apply.
Article 380.8. Accessibility and Grouping.
All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be so located that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They
shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, will
not be more than 6 ft 7 in. (2.0 m) above the floor or working platform.
Exception No. 1: Switches installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be
located higher than specified in the foregoing and to be accessible by portable means.
Exception No. 2: Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights.
What do others here think about circuit breaker handles located higher than 6'6".
--
Tom