Service disconnect height

[myelect]

A question has come up in our shop regarding the max. height a service disconnect may be mounted. (Residential, Commercial or Industrial)

One person says it comes under 404.8 (A).

I disagree, when I look at the scope of Article 404 it just talks about switches, switching devices and circuit breakers where used as switches. I maintain that (used as switches) means like in a commercial location where you use circuit breakers marked SWD for turning the lights on at the beginning of the day and off at the end of the day or to turn on and off other equipment.

I believe it comes under Article 230.70 ( a) (1)
Thank you

 

[tom baker]

Re: Service disconnect height

Service disconnecting means are in Art 230 not 404. This is clarifed in the scope of each article. The max height of a service disconnect is 6 ft 7 in to center of handle.

 

[myelect]

Re: Service disconnect height

Where in the code book is the 6'7" stated?

 

[gman2003]

Re: Service disconnect height

404.8(A)

 

[dana1028]

Re: Service disconnect height

myelect - you might find your poco has a lot to say about where/how high you mount your service equipment.

In the West, we use a lot of 'combination' meter/mains...i.e. the disconnect is part of the meter cabinet....so PG&E has specific requirements as to where we put these disconnects.

Generally - the center of the meter is 48" [minimum] to grade and 66" [maximum]...but PG&E has a 'green book' that spells out the different services [residential, commerical, industrial].

The disconnect itself is in the cabinet right next to the meter so the height of the actual switch is pretty close to those measurements above.

"PG&E must review and approve all meter installations before they are installed."

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question - but for most of us in the West, this is the answer.

[ May 24, 2003, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: dana1028 ]

 

[jxofaltrds]

Re: Service disconnect height

Since the poco says the POD is the meter I would say it is up to them. That said I believe to connect to the meter 100 applies. The definition of readily accessible applys.

Mike P.

 

[physis]

Re: Service disconnect height

Myelect,

I agree with you that it is 230.70(A)(1).

I have problems with "Readily Accessable" too. There is no number, that I am aware of, that is refered to as a height requirement. I keep thinking it must be dependent on the height of the shortest person expected to need access to it.

404.8(A) talks about circuit breakers being used as switches. I don't think that "switch" and "disconnect" are synonymns. They each have their own section. Although you can use a breaker as a disconnect, it doesn't become a switch if you do. I don't think.

 

[iwire]

Re: Service disconnect height

2002 NEC Article 100

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.

 

[gman2003]

Re: Service disconnect height

I still believe it is 404.8(A). 230.70(A)(1) is the requirement for the disconnect's location to be readily accessible either outside the building or inside nearest the point of entry, saying nothing of height restrictions or requirements. The part of the disconnect that disconnects all ungrounded conductors is a type of switch, falling under 404.8(A). There are times when a given electrical installation will need to comply with more than one individual code section. Check out 550.32(F) for the requirements of the disconnect for mobile homes. It adds a minimum of at least 2ft. for the bottom of the enclosure in addition to the 6'7" height requirement for the switch of the disconnect.

[ May 25, 2003, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: gman2003 ]