A/C Disconnect? - InspectionNews

fritzkelly · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 06:28 PM

Would this count as a proper disconnect on a roof mounted heat pump? It is the only disconnect and you have to remove the front panel screws to access it.
DSCN0276.jpg

James Duffin · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 06:57 PM

Since it is a service disconnect it looks ok to me.

Markus Keller · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 07:24 PM

I doubt it. You have to stick your hand into the equipment with live power in order to turn the power off. I'd write it up as un-safe.
I'll see if I can find something in the NEC and post.

Randy Clayton · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:36 PM

No a electrical disconnect needs to be outside of the unit

Markus Keller · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 08:31 AM

James, I'm looking in the NEC haven't found anything applicable yet.

Markus Keller · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 09:26 AM

James, I looked under NEC 08 424, 430, 665 and various other portions of text. I can't actually find anything that disallows that disconnect based on location.
I guess you're right about this one, unless of course ECJ shows up with his crystal ball of knowledge.

Billy Stephens · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markus Keller

James, I looked under NEC 08 424, 430, 665 and various other portions of text. I can't actually find anything that disallows that disconnect based on location.
I guess you're right about this one, unless of course ECJ shows up with his crystal ball of knowledge.

.

05 NEC 440.14 Disconnect cannot be mounted on access panels. Disconnect in line of sight.

IRC06 T40001.5 & 40001.5.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritz Kelly

Would this count as a proper disconnect on a roof mounted heat pump?Attachment 6272

No.

It needs to be separate from the unit.

How many residential a/c condenser or heat pump units have you seen which do not have all panels removable for servicing?

On large commercial units, there typically is a large frame, with some panels removable, some not, and the disconnect could be mounted on the large frame or on a non-removable panel.

Robert Dalga · #9 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 08:07 AM

No, obviously not. What if you needed to replace the unit (you would have to kill the power from the main, then disconnect the lines and remove the unit...leaving improperly terminated conductors exposed (so you would then have to install a proper disconnect).