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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Question:

Hello all - Thank you again for this forum! My question is for discussion about breaker locks... 110.25 talks about the "Lockable Disconnecting Means", and my thought is that this article is intended for a device secured to the breaker that can be actually locked out with an padlock for the safety of the keeping the breaker in the open position... The problem / question that has been raised are regarding the "lock outs" that are installed on the handles of the breakers that are secured with only a set screw type design... My thought is these were designed to keep the breaker in the closed position (like a fire alarm panel power circuit), and not typically used as a lock out as described in the code... These items are advertised as a "lock out", and I assume they have a UL listing for such... So, to sum it up, are these devices an approved lock out device as described in article 110.25, and would inspectors approve this? Your expertise and input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rick Kinsman

A

Answer:

Greetings Rick,

Thanks for participating and the question. Section 110.25 requires that where a If 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. Devices that are installed with a set screw to lock a breaker in the closed position (on position), are not covered by this requirement. The locking provisions in this section are required to be capable of accepting a lock and must remain in place with the lock installed and if it is not. 

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