shunt trip pushbutton

[whe4]

I am involved with a project that has multiple main disconnect switches grouped outside of a single story building. Three of the switches are fusible disconnects and the fourth is a shunt trip pushbutton that operates a mian circuit breaker in a panel within the building. Service disconnecting was designed this way due to space constraints. I have argued back and forth with the local inpector that the shunt trip pushbutton is a recognized means of disconnect and is stated as such in NEC 230-76(2). My inspector's arguement is that it is not considered a means of disconnect and is stated as such in NEC 230-71. I have tried explaining to him that the purpose of 230-71 is to limit the maximum number of disconnects and that a shunt trip pushbutton does not count against the maximum number. It's intent is not to recognize the shunt trip as ameans of disconnect. He states that a shunt trip pushbutton is acceptable only if the breaker handle is next to the shunt trip. Can anyone out there set me straight on this?

 

[earshavewalls]

Sounds to me like you have the correct view of this situation. The statement in 230.71, "For the purpose of this section," sort of spells out that the shunt trip is not considered a service disconnecting means when counting up to the maximum of 6.
Ask him where he got the idea of the breaker handle being next to the shunt trip to qualify........there is no article in the code that states this.
Sounds like an opinion rather than a code.

 

[barbeer]

230.70(A)(3) is the better choice. I would consider a shunt trip button a remote control, not really sure what a power operated switch is. BTW it is an acceptable means as long as readily accessible.

 

[coulter]

... I have tried explaining to him that the purpose of 230-71 is to limit the maximum number of disconnects and that a shunt trip pushbutton does not count against the maximum number. ...

I'd say you are both goofed up, but for different reasons:

I did not get the same translation as you did of 230.71A.

It says the disconnect for the control circuit of the power operable service-disconnect shall not be counted against the six, as long as installed as part of the listed equipment.

Back to your question - as others have said:
1. 230.76.2 allows power operated switches.

2. 230.70.A.3 governs the location of the Service Disconnecting means when a remote control is used, which references 230.70.A.1

3. 230.70.A.1 says "Readily Accessaible", either outside or inside nearest point of entrance.

None of these sections address 230.72 - grouping. The pushbutton is not the disconnecting means - the power operated switch is.

I'd say you can put the pushbuttons anywhere you want, but the disconnecting means have to be grouped.

carl

 

[Bob Kraemer]

I agree with Carl.