[RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

[Glenn Burt]

Hi August,

 

I do not see where the code requires that the disconnect DIRECTLY support the locking functionality. Any breaker can be locked open with standard LOTO hardware, and in my opinion would meet this code requirement of being CAPABLE of being locked in the open position. It does not say that it must have a ‘lockable disconnecting means’, as the definition describes.

https://www.bradyid.com/en-us/66321/prod-2024847.html?cat=BRID2993902

 

Glenn

 

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of August Goers
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2016 6:11 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] 2014 NEC 705.22 disconnect for inverter capable of being locked

 

Hi Wrenches,

 

We have a particular plan checker who wants us to provide a lockable AC disconnect for our inverter output circuit. His particular issue is that he wants the locking mechanism to be installed and on site. Here is a little NEC background info:

 

2014 NEC 705.22 Disconnect Device

The disconnecting means for ungrounded conductors shall consist of a manually or power operable switch(es) or circuit breaker(s) with the following features:

Located where readily accessible

Externally operable without exposing the operator to contact with live parts and, if power operable, of a type that could be opened by hand in the event of a power-supply failure

Plainly indicating whether in the open (off) or closed (on) position

Having ratings not less than the load to be carried and the fault current to be interrupted. For disconnect equipment energized from both sides, a marking shall be provided to indicate that all contacts of the disconnect equipment might be energized.

Informational Note to (4): In parallel generation systems, some equipment, including knife blade switches and fuses, is likely to be energized from both directions. See 240.40.

Simultaneous disconnect of all ungrounded conductors of the circuit

Capable of being locked in the open (off) position

 

NEC 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means:

Where a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed. 

 

Many times we are using a standard back-fed circuit breaker to comply with 705.22. Then we can supply a handle padlock attachment such as the one shown for Square D:

 

http://static.schneider-electric.us/assets/pdf/retail/QO-and-Homeline-Accessories.pdf

 

Does anyone else have experience installing these breaker handle padlock attachments? My concern is whether we can find them for all of the old types of breakers that we have to deal with. Also, our plan checker is requiring that this handle padlock attachment accessory is installed at the time of our inspection. Is anyone else dealing with similar issues?

 

Best,

 

August

Luminalt

 

 

 

 

 

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