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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Question:

Greetings Friends and thanks for your forum on the NEC.

Our question is about the maximum height of a service main disconnect switch. The main breaker on our building is 7 feet above the grade. I don't think it can be reached easily by some and it is locked in the on position. Doesn’t the Code require it be more accessible?

Thanks for any help.

Arron Wallace

A

Answer:

Hello Arron,

Thanks for the comments. The maximum height for service disconnecting means is addressed in the NEC. Section 404.8 generally requires that these switches or circuit breakers be readily accessible and not installed more than 6 foot, 7 inches from grade level or the working platform to the center grip of the handle. There are three exceptions to this general rule, none of which apply to this service disconnecting means.

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