Required receptacle at rooftop A/c unit

[Jeffnmoe@comcast.net]

NEC 210.63 requires a 15 or 20 amp receptacle for service techs. within 25ft. of a rooftop ac unit located on the same level. I have been told that there was an amendment to this which states that this only pertains to new installs,not replacement of a existing one . Any help with this one?

 

[iwire]

There are no NEC exceptions to that.

However the NEC is not retroactive.

In short the only person that can answer that is your local AHJ.

 

[bstoin]

Where I live, the inspectors always make us "bring it up to code." So if I happen to be replacing the disconnect or even reconnecting a replacement AC unit, etc. and it is a permitted job, we invariably will have to install an outlet if one does not exist.

 

[Bea]

There is an exception to 210.63 for swamp coolers for one and two family dwellings not requiring the servicing receptacle

I agree with Bob Iwire that it is up to the AHJ in our office as long as there is not a new circuit provide to the heat pump or AC unit we would not require a servicing receptacle to be installed.

 

[Jeffnmoe@comcast.net]

hvac receptacle

hvac receptacle

Guys I found it. After I posted the question I went back to the "VICTIM" and asked for proof in writing. He faxed me 2 pages from a apparent electrical code. The section pertaining to a amendment to 210.63 was numbered as 23.10.330. A google search on this number revealed that this person was attempting to pass off the Electrical Code of Lincoln Nebraska as a amendment that had been nationally adopted. Lincolns ammendment does not require a receptacle to be installed if the a/c unit was existing and only being replaced. I guess as a new inspector I need to watch for slick "VICTIMS" like this. I do not inspect in Lincoln Nebraska,the victim will be installing a new receptacle as per 210.63 of the NEC.

Thanks for all your help guys,
this website is a invaluable tool!!