Up/Off Down/On???

[rlMutch]

I found an older Cutler Hammer 8 ckt load center with 2 horizontal rows of breakers. In the top row, the breaker handles are up in the off position and down in the on position. The enclosure was made to mount that way. Does anyone have a library of old code books to see when the Up/On, Down/Off requirement of 240.81 came in? The oldest one I have is 1975 and it's in that one.

 

[kbsparky]

The 1971 edition of the Code only goes up to 240-30. The section you are seeking is 240-25(c):

Indication. Circuit breakers shall be arranged and mounted so that their operation is not likely to injure the operator.

The text of the 1975 edition reads thus:

240-81. Indicating. Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.
Where circuit breaker handles on switchboards are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontially, the up position of the handle shall be in the ON position

It would appear that this requirement began with the adoption of the 1975 edition.

So now the question becomes: Is a small "load center" considered to be the same thing as a "switchboard" ??

 

[kbsparky]

Checking the definitions of "switchboard" in the 1975 edition of the Code reveals this:

Switchboard. A large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels on which are mounted, on the face or back or both, switches, overcurrent and other protective devices, buses, and usually instruments. Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be installed in cabinets. (See "Panelboard")

Looking further, the definition of Panelboard is thus:

Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel; including buses, automatic overcurrent devices, and with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall or partition and accessible only from the front. (See "Switchboard")

From these definitions, I would stipulate that a "load center" does not qualify to be a "switchboard" and as such the requirements of 240-81 do not apply to such.

At least in 1975 they didn't

 

[rlMutch]

Thank you, excellent answer. That's just what I was looking for.