Circuit breakers shall be capable of being locked in the open position or, if they are installed in a drawout mechanism, that mechanism shall be capable of being locked in such a position that the mechanism cannot be moved into the connected position.
Why does my circuit breaker have a lock?
A lock device on the front of a breaker in an electric panel is usually for a water heater at a location that is not within sight of the panel, but it could be used for any other major appliance except an air conditioning condenser (outside unit), which the National Electric Code (NEC 440.14) requires that the shut-off …
What is a breaker lock shackle?
The gizmo on your water heater breaker is a lockoff that’s designed to let you turn the breaker off, then attach a padlock with a 1/4″ shackle (or a lockout tag with padlock(s) on it), so that you can then lock the padlock, stick the key in your pocket, and be sure that some bozo isn’t going to flip the breaker back on …
Can you lock a breaker in the closed position?
Response: There is no provision in the OSHA regulations that prohibits locking the disconnecting means in the closed (on) position. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations.
Does a disconnect have to be lockable?
There are sections throughout the Code that state the disconnecting means is required to be lockable in the open position. This simply means when the disconnecting means is in the open (or off) position, a lock can be installed to keep the disconnecting means from being closed (or energized).
Should breaker panels be locked?
Electrical panels contain circuit breakers designed to trip and stop the flow of current to specific circuits and appliances. Easy access to electrical panels is essential for the protection of em- ployees in the workplace, and panels should never be blocked or inaccessible.
What is breaker lockout?
Circuit Breaker Lockouts – Lockout Tagout devices designed to fit a wide range of electrical circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are the primary point of electrical isolation for maintenance workers. The lockout tagout procedure usually begins by turning off power at the circuit breaker.
What is lockout circuit?
[′läk‚au̇t ‚sər·kət] (electronics) A switching circuit which responds to concurrent inputs from a number of external circuits by responding to one, and only one, of these circuits at any time.
How far off the ground does a disconnect have to be?
Minimum mounting height is not mandated by the NEC. When in its highest position, the center of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker should not be more than 6 ft 7 in.
Can you lock a disconnect switch on?
Question: Can the disconnect switches be locked in the closed (on) position? Response: There is no provision in the OSHA regulations that prohibits locking the disconnecting means in the closed (on) position. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations.
