service disconnect

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ddkeith

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northwest georgia
I work for a school system and we have a problem with kid's turning off the power at the service disconnect located outside. i've been tring to find in the code book if the disconnect can be locked on. please help.
 
Re: service disconnect

I don't believe there is any requirement to not lock it closed.

If you decide to lock it closed and an emergency crew needs to open it, they will just get out their universal key and snip the padlock off.
 
Re: service disconnect

The only interest that the NEC has is that there be a way to turn off all power to the building, in order to perform work on the service equipment. The NEC will not prohibit locking the disconnecting means.

However, the Fire Department might want to have power off, before they start spraying water all over the place. Would they have access to (and permission to use) the "universal key" that Bob mentioned? Does anyone know if the Fire Codes (or other rules) might prohibit locking the disconnect?
 
Re: service disconnect

We had this problem on the draw bridges I work on. Most of the structures have two services, one on each side and since there out of site, and we don't want kids or any rummies messing with it we locked them. I couldn't find anything in the code about locking them either.
 
Re: service disconnect

230.92 permits the service overcurrent device(s) to be locked as long as there are load side overcurrent devices that are in a readily accessible location.

It is not unusual for these disconnects to be locked, and for schools and such the fire department either has keys or will use bolt cutters.
 
Re: service disconnect

I have a property owner friend that has had this problem due to bad neighbor hood. He mentioned that they had to use special locks that could 'break away' in the event of an emergency.
These would break away with a quick strike of an axe or similar.
I myself have never seen them, but it may be food for thought.
 
Re: service disconnect

Locking closed a service disconnect switch located outside is no different than having a service disconnect inside behind locked doors.

I have never seen a lock or door that the Fire Department did not have a 'key' for. :p
 
Re: service disconnect

I'm suprised the school has not installed a fence or some other barrier around the service equipment to prevent access to students or other "unqualified" people.

Main disconnects have the possibility to blow up when opened during a fault or under a heavy load. I don't think I have ever seen a school with the service equipment accessible to just anyone?
 
Re: service disconnect

Originally posted by bphgravity:
Main disconnects have the possibility to blow up when opened during a fault or under a heavy load. I don't think I have ever seen a school with the service equipment accessible to just anyone?
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The service disconnect would be in an enclosure. I see no danger having it 'out in the open' as long as the enclosure is closed as it should be.

Would you say a fence should be around every service?
 
Re: service disconnect

Originally posted by iwire:
Would you say a fence should be around every service?
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No. If someone comes onto my property, and messes with my service disconnect, that would be trespassing; and if they happen to get injured or a big dog bites off half their leg, well then they deserve it.

A school with hundreds if not thousands of kids walking around and acting like idiots should probably have the service not accesible to those kids. This is just an opinion.

[ March 16, 2005, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]
 
Re: service disconnect

Originally posted by bphgravity:
If someone comes onto my property, and messes with my service disconnect, that would be trespassing; and if they happen to get injured or a big dog bites off half their leg, well then they deserve it.
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You take pot-shots at the meter-reader with a BB gun, don't you? Be honest... :D

I'd agree, so long as the meterman (or he's affectionately known around here, "Target Alpha Bravo") has access enough to read the meter.
 
Re: service disconnect

Target Alpha Bravo :D They use binoculars in the mountains.

or a big dog bites off half their leg
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That's funny. :D

I got a get out of California. We'd go to jail if our dogs even thought about protecting our property. And we'd have to give a burglar whatever's left that he couldn't carry after the lawsuit if he hurt himself while carrying out our stuff.
 
Re: service disconnect

I don't know if a simple lock would would solve the problem after all,what was i thinking? I'm dealing with kids and i think bolt cutters may be standard issue for fifth graders now days. you guys have given me some great ideas,i'm considering a 10ft.electric fence toped with razor wire and patrolled with guard dogs. i can't belive i missed 230.92 thanks.
 
Re: service disconnect

I just helped design an animal shelter. The owner wanted a security system. I asked if they wanted it to set off a bell, or dial the security company, or what.

We decided the best option was use a solenoid to unlock a couple of the dog cages :D

Steve
 
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