Water Heater Disconnect?

[neutral]

Either, or, will work. Anything to keep the HO aware that they are going to have a serious problem if they energize a dry tank.

Where in the article does it say the purpose is to warn the home owner they are going to have a serious problem if they energize a dry tank. You can't fix or protect stupid.

circuit breaker is within
sight from the appliance

Then a lock is not needed on the breaker

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

The owner can request a disconnect to help him from being stupid. However it's not required by nec. Other than a burned out element there is no fire risk or shock risk. This is one of them areas that it pays to go above the code unless the user is smarter than average home owner. On new homes with wells often tank is empty. It is up to the GC to be sure nobody fires it up dry. What i did was leave wires in heater unconnected and wire nuted. GC would connect after water is in tank. The choice on how to protect a water heater is up to owner. I would suggest a simple $1 pad lock on that breaker lock and a note next to it saying where key is and why its locked. Adding a disconnect does not save a stupid owner.

 

[220/221]

Does a standard 2 pole mechanical timer with an on/off switch qualify as a means of disconnect?

 

[bkelly]

What about using a dryer cord and receptacle?

 

[chris kennedy]

Does a standard 2 pole mechanical timer with an on/off switch qualify as a means of disconnect?

Even with an on/off switch IMO a timer does not fit this definition.

Disconnecting Means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

You may be able to kill the circuit, but the timer may kill you.

 

[220/221]

Sounds like another gray area.

It could be argured that you could simply remove the on pin as easily as you could install the breaker lock.

I did this kind of installation at my own house about a year ago. I wasn't sure it would pass. It did but I'm still not sure if it will pass next time.

I do notice that swimming pool pump motors here generally have a switch and a timer unless there is a pool sub panel in sight.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

What about using a dryer cord and receptacle?

Is it a DRYER ?

 

[Cow]

Does a standard 2 pole mechanical timer with an on/off switch qualify as a means of disconnect?

I don't know how that could count since the "off" position on those Intermatic's isn't "off," it just means it's running on the timer.

 

[220/221]

It can't turn back on if you remove the thumbscrew trip pin.:smile:

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

It can't turn back on if you remove the thumbscrew trip pin.:smile:

That does not make it a legal disconnect.

 

[220/221]

Please understand that I am not trying to argue, honestly. I am just looking for diferent opinions and code references to support or deny this practice.
From what I've read so far it seems very much open to interpetation.

That does not make it a legal disconnect.

Opinion or code reference?

A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply

The conductors can be disconnected from their power sourse using this timer. The one at my 2nd home is disconnected (turned off/pins removed)and has been for several months (I don't live there).

 

[daleuger]

Problem solved. Next.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Problem solved. Next.

I thought red tape was required. Been on too many jobs that had too many hands in panel at same time. I want a key lock or a person with cell phone guarding it. Now if working alone in a house i might not worry but on commercial its far too risky with just tape.