Service Panels

[peter d]

Re: Service Panels

Originally posted by iwire:


It could be that I am just a Code Geek.

[ January 01, 2005, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: peter d ]

 

[midget]

Re: Service Panels

LOL...I always use the Index--Maybe I should give the Table of Contents a try instead. I think the school ordered a CD, but it like never got there...I'm not too sure what happened to it.

 

[mike22]

Re: Service Panels

The original question was never addressed properly. What is the maximun height? 404.8(a)was mis-quotated it say "all switches and breakers used as switches" where in the code does it state the maximun height of a circuit breaker?

[ February 16, 2005, 01:31 AM: Message edited by: mike22 ]

 

[physis]

Re: Service Panels

where in the code does it state the maximun height of a circuit breaker?

The only requirement I'm aware of is readily accessible.

240.24(A)

And if that's correct, it's basicly up to whichever inspector shows up.

Bob., A code geek.,

 

[iwire]

Re: Service Panels

Originally posted by mike22:
The original question was never addressed properly. What is the maximun height? 404.8(a)was mis-quotated it say "all switches and breakers used as switches" where in the code does it state the maximun height of a circuit breaker?

Mike that is a good observation.

I would argue that there is no such thing as a breaker in a service panel that is not used as a switch.

You will not find a definition that tells us how often a breaker must be switched on and off to become used as a switch.

This has nothing to do with the SWD / HID requirement in 240.83(D).

240.83(D) Used as Switches. Circuit breakers used as switches in 120-volt and 277-volt fluorescent lighting circuits shall be listed and shall be marked SWD or HID. Circuit breakers used as switches in high-intensity discharge lighting circuits shall be listed and shall be marked as HID.

The service disconnect breaker in a service panel and all the branch circuit breakers IMO are used as switches any time you want to service the panel or the branch circuits.

When we look at the entire section including the exceptions IMO it becomes clearer.


2002 NEC

404.8 Accessibility and Grouping.
(A) Location.
All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform.

Exception No. 1: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor.

Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be located higher than specified in the foregoing and to be accessible by portable means.

Exception No. 3: Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights.

Notice in exceptions 1 & 2 they dropped the words "used as".

Bob

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Service Panels

This issue has been resolved in the 2005 code. 240.24(A). The 6'7" maximum heigth rule now applies to the operating handles of all overcurrent protective devices.
Don

 

[charlie]

Re: Service Panels

Even though the 2005 Code has not been adopted in most places, that section tells you what the panel's intent is even though intent is not enforceable.