Non fused disc. does this need 110-26 ?

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SparkyRules

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As I read 110-26 is says what is says for EQUIPMENT. I look up equipment and a device IS considered equipment. So IF a standard toggle switch (a device) does NOT Need 110-26 clearance why would a bigger switch need this??? I see nothing that I could do on a bigger switch (non fused) that I could do with a toggle switch in terms of testing etc. Thoughts???
 
SparkyRules said:
But why? I know looking at a non fused switch for a HVAC unit it LOOKS like what, more important!?, than a snap switch but where in CODE does it spell this out?
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It is how the inspector or AHJ.

A HVAC disco falls into this category IMO and a GD switch does not. Many AHJs agree.

Totally logical, no. It is subjective.

I check voltage at that HVAC disco as a rule every time I gotta work on it. Not so much at a GD switch.

110.26

(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operat- ing at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.
 
jumper said:
It is how the inspector or AHJ.

A HVAC disco falls into this category IMO and a GD switch does not. Many AHJs agree.

Totally logical, no. It is subjective.

I check voltage at that HVAC disco as a rule every time I gotta work on it. Not so much at a GD switch.

110.26

(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operat- ing at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.
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I often ask why one would start checking voltage in the center of a circuit. Myself I open the unit and check for voltage at the relay. If voltage is present then it is a problem for the mechanical contractor.

If it is a non fused disconnect then there is some sort of over current device that could be turned off therefore 110.26 does not apply
 
jwelectric said:
I often ask why one would start checking voltage in the center of a circuit. Myself I open the unit and check for voltage at the relay. If voltage is present then it is a problem for the mechanical contractor.

If it is a non fused disconnect then there is some sort of over current device that could be turned off therefore 110.26 does not apply
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I start at the breaker. Divide in half. Disco next.

I check the voltage and wiring in the disco cause ya never know. Also wiring method from disco to unit. Stripped cord or Romex perhaps. Romex does not freak me, but many times the sparky only wires to the disco and some tin beater apprentice finishes. Find wierd stuff.

Snap switch for GD is rarely a problem.

So 110.26 applies IMO.

Strange, you say no, but I had to comply in Raleigh and a few other places in NC.
 
jumper said:
It is how the inspector or AHJ.

A HVAC disco falls into this category IMO and a GD switch does not. Many AHJs agree.

Totally logical, no. It is subjective.

I check voltage at that HVAC disco as a rule every time I gotta work on it. Not so much at a GD switch.

110.26

(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operat- ing at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.
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IMO, it is not subjective. Either all disconnects need working clearance, or they do not.
 
This issue has been debated around here for years. The crux of the issue is for installations of motors where the working clearance for motor disconnects would be very difficult or impossible to accomplish. Think of a motor for an auger on top of a grain bin, for example. One could say that the exception to 430.102(B)(1) and (2) could apply, but does the location of the disconnect introduce additional hazards? The powers that be here say that the location does not introduce additional hazards, so the disconnect has to be within sight of the motor. Now do we require working clearance of 30" by 36" for the disconnect that is located on top of the grain bin. AHJ says no, and says it applies to all disconnects with no overcurrent protection.
 
packersparky said:
This issue has been debated around here for years. The crux of the issue is for installations of motors where the working clearance for motor disconnects would be very difficult or impossible to accomplish. Think of a motor for an auger on top of a grain bin, for example. One could say that the exception to 430.102(B)(1) and (2) could apply, but does the location of the disconnect introduce additional hazards? The powers that be here say that the location does not introduce additional hazards, so the disconnect has to be within sight of the motor. Now do we require working clearance of 30" by 36" for the disconnect that is located on top of the grain bin. AHJ says no, and says it applies to all disconnects with no overcurrent protection.
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I do not work in WI. The powers that be that rule my world disagree. I agree with them. Meh...
 
I draw the line at fused as you would expect to change a fuse on a hot disconnet (tuned off). However in a non fused disconnect no real need to everopen it up, any more than a GD switch which also may need trouble shooting. I have replace far far more GD switches than non fused disconnects and toruble shot many more GD switches than any amount of disconnects. Maybe this will never be solved , maybe there should be a "over ( ) amps or volts etc" in that code. Of maybe just an exception for GD switches to clarify this????
 
IMO a non fused disconnect is either on or off no need to check voltage which is an option -- If the non fused is damaged (visibly checked) then access to OCPD is needed which (in most cases)is out of sight will have a breaker lock. If there is no damage & power is not at unit then there is no power at the disconnect.
 
the relief/interpretation in 100.26 " is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized" Likely being the key word in the sentence -- which also grey the meaning, as said before do you need clearances for a single pole, dbl throw single throw, single pole dbl throw switch? no ---- you can troubleshoot most all systems with an ohm meter if you choose We can agree to disagree but we also install per local code interpretations
 
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