NEC 680.12 "simultaneously"

[pita]

This Tuesday at Mike Holts code change class this question came up and Mike suggested that I post it for clarification of the intent. NEC 680.12 "One or more means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors shall be provided for all utilization equipment other than lighting". The key words being simultaneously and all. Is the intent to disconnect just the ungrounded conductors to each peice of equipment simultaneously? Or is it to disconnect all the utilization equipment and their ungrounded conductors simultaneously? I.E. Is a branch circuit breaker acceptable or will it require a main circuit breaker?
Thanks

 

[LarryFine]

Is the intent to disconnect just the ungrounded conductors to each peice of equipment simultaneously? Or is it to disconnect all the utilization equipment and their ungrounded conductors simultaneously? I.E. Is a branch circuit breaker acceptable or will it require a main circuit breaker?

I'd say either could be argued, depending on what you need to de-energize, but I believe the intent is per piece.

 

[charlie b]

I see that the word ?simultaneously? was added in the 2008 code. So I am sure that someone can find the ROP/ROC that put it there, and give you the real answer.

From my reading of the words, as they appear in the code, I think the key words are ?for all utilization equipment.? I interpret that as meaning that each equipment item has to have a device that is close to the pool (not too close) and that will turn off all power to that item. I do not think it is saying that you have to be able to turn off all items of equipment with a single device.

Show me any item of utilization equipment (other than lights). You got a pump, do you? Then I want to see a breaker, disconnect, or other device that is readily accessible and within sight of the pool, and that will turn off that pump. You got a heater, do you? Then I want to see a breaker, disconnect, or other device that is readily accessible and within sight of the pool, and that will turn off that heater. Those can be separate breakers, disconnects, or other devices. You don?t need to be able turn off both the pump and the heater with the same device.

 

[M. D.]

Not sure I understand this but this is from the ROC

________________________________________________________
17-67 Log #424 NEC-P17 Final Action: Accept in Principle
(680.7)
________________________________________________________
Submitter: Dan Leaf, Seneca, SC
Comment on Proposal No: 17-66
17-70 Log #455 NEC-P17 Final Action: Accept in Principle
(680.12)
________________________________________________________
TCC Action: The Technical Correlating Committee understands that the
final text of 680.12 includes both of the panel actions on Comments 17-70
and 17-71.
Submitter: Dan Leaf, Seneca, SC
Comment on Proposal No: 17-79
Recommendation: Accept proposal or revision as follows:

One or more approved means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded
conductors of the circuit shall be provided...(remainder unchanged).

Substantiation: Since the panel declined to accept a requirement for a switch
or circuit breaker, the means should be specifically required to be approved.
Simultaneous disconnection should be specified since literal wording, infers
that two or three individual disconnecting means may be used. Utilization
equipment includes signs within fountains which require a switch or circuit
breaker disconnecting means per 600.6. Since this rule is in Chapter 6, it may
be construed as amending other sections requiring simultaneous disconnect.

Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle

Revise 680.12 to read as follows:


680.12 Maintenance Disconnecting Means. One or more means to
simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors shall be provided for
all utilization equipment other than lighting. Each means shall be readily
accessible and within sight from its equipment.
Panel Statement: The revised language more clearly presents the requirement
and meets the intent of the submitter.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 10
Ballot Not Returned: 1 Gill, C.

 

[M. D.]

And here is what they are commenting on

17-79 Log #900 NEC-P17 Final Action: Reject
(680.12)
____________________________________________________________
Submitter: Daniel Leaf, Seneca, SC
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
One or more means switches or circuit breakers to simultaneously
disconnect all ungrounded conductors...? (remainder unchanged).

Substantiation:
Edit. Type of disconnecting means should be specified. The
definition of disconnecting means in Article 100 is broad enough to include
plug/receptacle, terminals, links (668.13(B)), relays, etc. Most Code sections
specific type. Different wording pertaining to the same thing may cause
confusion. 600.6 specifies switch or circuit breaker.

Panel Meeting Action: Reject

Panel Statement:
The disconnecting means includes switches, circuit
breakers, and other means; see 680.7.
The panel disagrees with the submitter?s substantiation. Section 668.13(B)
does not apply to this section.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 11
____________________