Water Heater / Air Handler Units

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frankieandkarina

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Article 422.31(B) Can we use a lockable breaker lock on a residential water heater that is not in sight of the panel.

Article 424.19(2)(2) Can we use lockable breaker lock on a residential air handler unit that is not in sight of the panel.

URGENT - Thanks!
 
We use them all the time.Alot cheaper than a pull out or a 2 pole switch.Also use them when the a/c guy sticks the outside unit within the working space for the disconnect.
 
bphgravity said:
Yes and Yes....
Click to expand...

IMO the answer is yes and no.

The water heater with a breaker lock no problem.

If the air handler contains a motor larger than 1/8 HP the disconnecting means must be within sight.
 
Here in Florida, most building departments follow the BOAF Advisory Non-binding Interpretations.

Date: Wed Aug 20 2003
Report #: 2582
Code: NEC
Section: 424.19(A)(2)(2)
Question:
Is it the intent of this section that it apply to SFR air handlers containing heat strips? Or would 440.14
apply?
Answer:
If the fixed electric space heating equipment incorporates a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor it must
also comply with Art. 440 (see Art. 424.2). If the air handler has a compressor in it, the disconnecting
means must comply with Article 440.14 and be within sight and readily accessible.
Commentary:
If the fixed electric space heating equipment doesn't contain a refrigerant compressor, the disconnecting
means may be capable of being locked in the open position if not within sight, as allowed in Art. 424.19.
Notice:
The Building Officials Association of Florida, in cooperation with the Florida Building Commission, the Florida Department
of Community Affairs, SBCCI, and industry and professional experts offer this interpretation of the Florida Building Code in
the interest of consistency in their application statewide. This interpretation is informal, non−binding and subject to
acceptance and approval by the local building official.
Click to expand...
 
I don't follow that at all, I do not assume that there is a compressor in the air handler.

Keeping with the NEC where is the allowance to substitute a breaker lock in place of a "in sight" disconnect for motors larger than 1/8 HP?
 
If the fixed electric space heating equiptment DOESN`T contain a refrigerant compressor,a seperate disconnecting means shall be installed,or the the disconnecting means shall be cabable of being locked in the open position if not within sight.

So 424.19 A 2 item 2 ,allows a motor more than 1/8 HP to have a disconnect not within sight.

Welcome to the south !!!!! Now go home :)
 
allenwayne said:
If the fixed electric space heating equiptment DOESN`T contain a refrigerant compressor,a seperate disconnecting means shall be installed,or the the disconnecting means shall be cabable of being locked in the open position if not within sight.
Click to expand...

Who said this air handler is electric space heating equipment?

(Electric space heating equipment has resistance heaters in it)

Take a look at the scope of 424.

In this area an "air handler" is a box with a blower in it that is forcing air through either heating or cooling coils. But the source of the heat or the cold is located elsewhere.

The NEC requires disconnects within sight for motors, except as allowed by the exception to 422.32 for appliances equipped with unit switches.
 
Bob the AHU`S that are used here have heat strips mounted within the top of the AHU.This is in residential units.They renge from 5 KW to 10 KW .
 
iwire said:
Keeping with the NEC where is the allowance to substitute a breaker lock in place of a "in sight" disconnect for motors larger than 1/8 HP?
Click to expand...
Bob,

Would you accept a disconnect mounted beside the thermostat (motor controller) that was capable of being locked?

Although I have never seen this type of installation I wonder if it would be in compliance.

I agree with you. Unless there is some amendment that relieves the requirement then I believe that there will be a disconnect at one or the other places.
Personally I think that a no fuse pull-out would look real nice mounted on the wall beside the thermostat with a number five Master lock hanging from it.
I?ll be back after a bit, going to mount one in my hall now!
 
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