Does an air handler need a disconnect?

An in-sight service disconnect is needed for an air handler/heating unit installed in a utility room. There is however an exception that might apply if a remotely located disconnect can be locked in the ‘off’ position.

Do you need a disconnect for furnace?





Because a furnace has a blower motor rated at over 1/8 horsepower, it needs a disconnect within sight of the appliance, and a lockout at the breaker is not an acceptable substitute.

How do I test my electric air handler?

Youtube quote:Around one of the two power wires right off the breaker.

How far can a disconnect be from equipment?

The disconnect that is provided to meet the requirements of 430.102(A) can also serve as the disconnect for the motor if it is located within sight from and not at a distance greater than 15 m (50 ft) from the motor and equipment.

What is the purpose of a disconnect?

In electrical engineering, a disconnector, disconnect switch or isolator switch is used to ensure that an electrical circuit is completely de-energized for service or maintenance.

Where should the disconnect switch for the furnace be located?





Most building codes require a furnace switch or “disconnecting means” within sight of the furnace itself. It’s usually mounted on the side of the furnace or a wall nearby.

How do I disconnect my furnace?

Youtube quote:So to turn the furnace off all that you have to do is flick the switch. And if your furnace is already on then if you flick the switch. Then it will turn it off now.

Where is the furnace breaker located?

It’s usually located on the side or top of your machine. It can also sometimes be found mounted on the wall near it. This is because the furnace disconnect code often requires this switch to be close to your furnace. This switch adds a layer of safety to operating your furnace.

When a disconnecting means must be located within sight from a motor?

Section 430.102(B)(1) requires a disconnecting means for each motor, and it must be located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location. “Within Sight” is visible and not more than 50 ft from each other [Art. 100].

What are acceptable disconnecting means for appliances?



There are several different types of acceptable disconnecting means permitted in Part III (depending on the appliance) which may include a unit switch with a marked “off” position, a horsepower rated snap switch, or even the branch circuit breaker.

What is the maximum height of a disconnect?

6 ft 7 in

The NEC does not mandate a minimum mounting height for panelboards, disconnects, or meter enclosures. But switches, and circuit breakers used as switches, shall be installed so the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 6 ft 7 in.

How high should a disconnect be from the ground?



All switches and circuit breakers must be installed so the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, isn’t more than 6 feet 7 inches above the floor or working platform.

How far can a disconnect be from an AC unit?

Definition of readily accessible & within sight



This distance is typically described as within 50 feet (15 meters), and in practice at most residential properties the disconnect is much closer (3-6 ft), on a wall or standard near the compressor/condenser unit.

What is code for AC disconnect?

The 2008 National Electric Code requires: 440.14 Location. Disconnecting means shall be located within sight from and readily accessible from the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. The disconnecting means shall be permitted to be installed on or within the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment.

What is the 6 disconnect rule?

The rule is six disconnecting means for each service, not six service disconnecting means per building. If the building has two services, you can have a total of 12 service disconnects (six disconnects per service).

When should you use a fused disconnect?



Fused (or “fusible disconnects”) switches are most typically used in systems that carry an exceptionally high load, such as what can be found in major industrial equipment. This is because fused disconnects naturally carry a higher “Amps Interrupting Capacity,” or AIC.

What are the rules that govern air conditioning and refrigerating equipment disconnect means?

A disconnecting means for air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment must be located within sight from and readily accessible from the equipment [440.14].

Which of the devices are permitted to provide protection for single phase cord and plug connected room air conditioners?

of the attachment plug. Single-phase room air conditioners are now required to be provided with one of three factory-installed protective devices: (1) leakage-current detector-interrupter (LCDI), (2) arc-fault circuit-interruption (AFCI) protection, or (3) heat detecting circuit interrupter (HDCI) protection.

Can A cord and plug serve as means of disconnect?

An attachment plug and receptacle or cord connector can serve as the disconnecting means for a room air conditioner, provided (click here to see Fig.