by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Sun Jun 07, 2009 12:12 pm
HI Marc,
Thought I would post the code section below for you in case you need it. The exceptions apply as follows: Exception 1 is only applicable to "an industrial process"; Exception 2 is for window type units and refrigerators which come with a cord and plug.
From the 2008 NEC. (underlining and bold are mine)
- ARTICLE 440 Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment
- - II. Disconnecting Means
- - - 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.
- - - - The disconnecting means shall not be located on panels that are designed to allow access to the air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment or to obscure the equipment nameplate(s).
- - - - - Exception No. 1: Where the disconnecting means provided in accordance with 430.102(A) is capable of being locked in the open position, and the refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment is essential to an industrial process in a facility with written safety procedures, and where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment, a disconnecting means within sight from the equipment shall not be required. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed.
- - - - - Exception No. 2: Where an attachment plug and receptacle serve as the disconnecting means in accordance with 440.13, their location shall be accessible but shall not be required to be readily accessible.
- - - - - - FPN: See Parts VII and IX of Article 430 for additional requirements.
- - - 440.13 Cord-Connected Equipment.
- - - - For cord-connected equipment such as room air conditioners, household refrigerators and freezers, drinking water coolers, and beverage dispensers, a separable connector or an attachment plug and receptacle shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means.
- - - - - FPN: For room air conditioners, see 440.63.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
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Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired