A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
(OP)
I used to believe that a circuit breaker in panel can be used as a disconnecting means for motor loads like in boiler rooms when the panel is within site until i read Article 430.109 in the NEC (NFPA 70) defines the type of disconnecting means allowed for motors and controllers. I am concluding that it is against the code for a circuit breaker in panel to be considered used as disconnecting means unless it is in a separate enclosure and can be locked in an open position, any body have an input on that?






RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
430.102 (B) (2) Exception "...The provision for locking or adding a lock to the controller disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed."
My interpretation of the requirement is to minimize the chances of someone not being able to find the removable style locking attachment when locking out the motor. As long as the locking attchment is fastened in place, it should be per code. There might be an issue with an inspector if you just bolted a padlock hasp to the panel to hold the breaker in the off position. Even though it is effective, it may not be a "listed" breaker or panelboard accessory.
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
This doesn't mean the breaker has to be in a separate electric panel.
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
You're adding words to the code here. To my knowledge, nowhere in the code is a branch circuit overcurrent device defined as "a circuit breaker in a panel."
A branch circuit overcurrent device can be a listed molded case circuit breaker, and that listed molded case breaker can be in a panel or not. A permanent lockable mechanism can be installed on that breaker.
The building I worked in last had a panelboard with six listed molded-case circuit breakers in it, each with a permanent hasp thing for a lockout device. It fed six air handling unit fans of 5 to 20 HP, and it was easily in sight of each motor. Our AHJ had no problem with it.
Google this: panelboard with listed molded case circuit breakers
You'll find that GE, Seimens, Eaton, Schneider, and others sell them.
Best to you,
Goober Dave
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RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
For a final word, ASK THE AHJ. All the ones I've dealt with are super happy to get something right before inspection.
Best to you,
Goober Dave
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RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
OVERLOAD protection.
OVERCURRENT protection.
and
DISCONNECTION.
You may be better served with a small manual motor starter in place of the circuit breaker.
That will provide overload and disconnection functions.
The circuit breaker feeding your control panel may fulfill the overcurrent function.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
Can you quote a rule?
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: A Circuit Breaker in panel as a disconnecting means?
As Bill stated, you can call it whatever you want. If you're talking to an AHJ, though, it's my experience that adding definitions and words to the NEC is not something that you want to do.
Best to you,
Goober Dave
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