A/C disconnect location question

[Paul Kondzich]

I am aware that the A/C disconnect needs to be within sight (and within 50 feet) of the unit. My question is, on a condo building with 6 units, the closest condensing unit in the picture is controlled by the 5th disconnect down. The flexible conduit is buried under mulch etc, so it is not apparent which disconnect goes to what unit.

I see this as a safety issue for the A/C guy who thinks he has this unit disconnected, when in reality he does not.

Is there anything specific, that states the disconnect must line up with unit it is closest to?

[Paul Kondzich]

Thanks Robert, actually received a return call from the county electrical inspector. He said the same, as long as they are labled its OK to have them out of order. Thanks again.

[Jerry Peck]

Thanks Robert, actually received a return call from the county electrical inspector. He said the same, as long as they are labled its OK to have them out of order. Thanks again.


Depending on who you ask, those disconnects should have some aggregate of the required 30"X36" working space in front of them.

Yes, as long as the disconnects are marked ... and there is at least 30" x 36" in front of each disconnect ... and ... each condenser unit is marked with the condo unit number (not only to allow matching up the condenser unit and its disconnect, but to allow matching up the condenser unit to the area it serves ... and each condenser unit requires a 30" X 30" service space in front of its service area (mechanical code) ... and each condenser unit requires a 30" x 36" working space in front of its service area where the electrical is located (electrical code) - the two spaces can overlap, so think of the mechanical service space as being the same 30" x 36" as the electrical working space.

[Paul Kondzich]

Yes, as long as the disconnects are marked ... and there is at least 30" x 36" in front of each disconnect ... and ... each condenser unit is marked with the condo unit number (not only to allow matching up the condenser unit and its disconnect, but to allow matching up the condenser unit to the area it serves.

yes Jerry, actually in this case, the disconnect, and condensing unit were both marked. When the building gets painted, or when the condening unit is replaced they wont be, but.......

[Lon Henderson]

Yes, as long as the disconnects are marked ... and there is at least 30" x 36" in front of each disconnect ... and ... each condenser unit is marked with the condo unit number (not only to allow matching up the condenser unit and its disconnect, but to allow matching up the condenser unit to the area it serves ... and each condenser unit requires a 30" X 30" service space in front of its service area (mechanical code) ... and each condenser unit requires a 30" x 36" working space in front of its service area where the electrical is located (electrical code) - the two spaces can overlap, so think of the mechanical service space as being the same 30" x 36" as the electrical working space.
I rarely see the condensers and disconnects properly labeled to the condo units that they are servicing.

[Lon Henderson]

In this instance they only require labeling because the conductors are buried. If the disconnect feeds the unit and the wiring method is completely visible and it's obvious which unit is being fed then the labeling requirement is waived.
Good point, and I should have clarified that.

[Garry Blankenship]

Call it as you see it. Code aside, if you cannot be certian which disconnect belongs to which unit, the whole purpose of the disconnect and it's proximity is defeated.