Do I need a disconnect switch for my furnace?
But if your old furnace doesn't have a disconnect switch within sight of the furnace itself, check the circuit breaker to see if it has a locking device. If not, it's a good idea to have a disconnect switch installed to ensure safety for the next time the furnace needs maintenance or repairs.
Can I use a lockout at the breaker to disconnect my furnace?
So there we have it. 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. I have now committed all of this to memory, and I'll never have to look it up again... unless I forget, in which case I'll look up this blog post.
Do you need a disconnect for a blower motor?
I don't need to read sections A through D, because the furnace doesn't have a unit switch. So there we have it. 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.
Can you turn off the power to a furnace?
In order to ensure safety while working on the furnace, you can shut off the power to the furnace's circuit at either the circuit breaker or the disconnect, or both. The disconnect switch not only adds convenience, it's also an additional safety feature.
Where is a disconnect required?
This code states that any large and permanently-wired equipment must have a disconnecting means within sight distance. This applies to your HVAC unit, your attic exhaust fans, and other major household equipment. In addition, the NEC states that this disconnecting means must be a device included on their list.
Do I need a disconnect switch?
They are required under the NEC (National Electrical Code). At the first sign of trouble with your business' power supply, the switch instantly disconnects power, preserving your business from a variety of dangers including surges, short-circuits, and potentially harmful overloads.
How do you wire a disconnect switch on a furnace?
1:575:03How to install the power switch for furnace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe black wire is is coming from here. And it goes straight out here and comes over to here. OkayMoreThe black wire is is coming from here. And it goes straight out here and comes over to here. Okay the black wire comes from inside there comes to here and then goes through the switch.
Do I need a disconnect for air handler?
If it is in sight it does not need to be lockable and a breaker is an approved disconnect. It's not a bad idea but not required by NEC. If it is in sight it does not need to be lockable and a breaker is an approved disconnect. It's not a bad idea but not required by NEC.
Is A main disconnect required?
Every service requires a main disconnect. This disconnect is typically a single circuit breaker, but might also be a fuse block that pulls out. This disconnect need not consist of a single breaker, however. Section 230.71(A) of the NEC allows for up to six main disconnects grouped together or in a common enclosure.
Can A breaker be used as A disconnect?
422.31(B), "For permanently connected appliances rated over 300VA, the branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or is capable of being locked in the open position."
Where should the disconnect switch for the furnace be located?
It's usually mounted on the side of the furnace or a wall nearby. Among other benefits, this switch allows you or your repair technician to shut off the electricity to the furnace without having to go to the main service panel to switch off the circuit breaker.
Does furnace require GFCI?
Yes, a GFCI is required.
Does a furnace need a fused switch?
Fused switch: It is a speciality switch consisting of a fuse and a toggle switch. Thus, you can disconnect the power by unscrewing the fuse or shutting off the switch. Many local codes and furnace manufacturers require fused switches.
Why do you need a disconnect?
Disconnect switches prevent many common electrical incidents, including short circuits and surges. These problems can severely harm or even destroy important equipment, costing you a lot in replacement and repair, making installing a safety switch a very smart investment.
When should you use a fused disconnect?
The goal of a fused disconnect is to open a circuit and disengage power quickly and definitively in the case of an overload or short. When potentially harmful electrical problems arise the fused disconnect detects them, the fuse blows, and the equipment is shut off automatically.
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 purpose of a disconnect switch?
A safety switch (also known as a “disconnect switch,” or “load break switch”) serves multiple purposes, but its primary functions are to function as a disconnect means for a service entrance and a disconnect means and fault protection for motors (heavy machinery).
What is the purpose of an electrical disconnect?
Electrical disconnects are switches that isolate all wiring in a home or other building from the source of power, typically the utility power service. Also called the service disconnect, this is the first disconnect device after the utility meter.
How do I choose a disconnect switch?
Select a disconnect switch with the same or greater horsepower rating as the appliance. The disconnect switch must also have the correct fuse size. An appliance requiring a 30-amp double circuit breaker will need a disconnect rated to its horsepower and will accept two 30-amp fuses.
What are the three types of disconnects?
Categories. Disconnect switches may be categorized as fusible, non-fusible, enclosed fusible, and enclosed non-fusible switches.
Why do furnaces have disconnect switches?
The disconnect switch not only adds convenience, it's also an additional safety feature. It ensures that power to the furnace stays disconnected even if someone unwittingly turns on the circuit breaker.
What is a disconnect switch?
Generally, the disconnect switch looks exactly like an ordinary wall switch used to control light fixtures. In order to ensure safety while working on the furnace, you can shut off the power to the furnace's circuit at either the circuit breaker or the disconnect, or both.
What is a furnace switch called?
BanksPhotos/Getty Images. A furnace switch is more accurately called a furnace disconnect or furnace disconnect switch. Those names are pretty self-explanatory: This is the switch used disconnects the power to the furnace, turning it on and off as needed. Most building codes require a furnace switch or "disconnecting means" within sight ...
How does a furnace switch work?
How the Furnace Switch Works. According to building codes, a furnace must be supplied by a dedicated circuit, meaning the circuit cannot supply power to anything other than the furnace. This circuit is served by its own circuit breaker in the breaker box (properly called the main service panel). The circuit wiring runs from the service panel to ...
Can a lockable breaker be used on a furnace?
Lockable Breaker. Some local codes may allow a "lockable breaker" as a furnace disconnect, in place of a switch near the furnace. Given the lack of convenience and potential safety risk , this isn't an ideal setup and it isn' t recommended for new furnace installations.
Can you disconnect a furnace by unscrewing the fuse?
This is a specialty switch that includes both a fuse and a toggle switch. You can disconnect the power to the furnace by unscrewing the fuse or shutting off the switch, or both. The fuse screws into the fuse socket and is covered by a metal lid that is hinged on one side. Fused switches may be required by local code and by the furnace manufacturer, or both. Check with the local building authority for specific requirements.
What Happens if I Turn the Furnace OFF?
The following are a few complications that may result from turning your furnace off, especially when it’s still cold out there;
How Do I Know if my Furnace is ON?
The easiest way to determine whether your furnace is turned ON and getting power is to check with the thermostat. Modern thermostats have a switch that says ON or AUTO. The ON switch keeps the fan running as long as the furnace is switched ON and getting power, while the AUTO mode only engages the fan if the furnace is ON and producing heat.
What is a Furnace Power Switch?
More accurately known as the furnace disconnect or furnace disconnect switch, the furnace’s power switch is an ON/OFF switch that completes or disconnects the furnace’s circuitry to keep the unit on or turn it off.
Where is the Power Switch on a Furnace?
The furnace switch is found either on the furnace itself or the wall nearby. It looks like a standard electrical power switch such as the light switches in your room and is typically unlabeled.
Should Furnace Switch be ON or OFF?
A common question homeowners ask is whether you should leave the furnace switch ON 24/7 365 or switch it OFF during the summer when you don’t need heating. The short answer is – keep it ON. There are several instances when it’s better to turn off the furnace switch, as we’ll see shortly.
Does every home installation have to have a switch?
Every installation has to have a switch, so our competition has the same costs. It's too bad that the home owner will have this added expense
Can you access the disconnect without having to walk by or around the unit?
Can't say for sure but I think as long as you can access the disconnect without having to walk by or around the unit (in the event of a fault) it should be okay.
Why don't I like cord and plug?
The only reason I don't like cord and plug is because over time it seems those plugs eventually fail. It is dependent on the spades of the receptacle to hold the cord cap in place. Depending on the location it is also easier to get unplugged and if the furnace is in the attic the high temps are tough on a cord.
Can you use a generator to run a furnace?
I've seen the cords used in several circumstances. Most common is when the homeowner has a portable generator they want to be able to utilize to run the furnace during a power outage. I agree that depending on what code you're under it may or may not meet code but it certainly is a safer way to use a generator.
Is a gas furnace a flexible cord?
A gas furnace or air handler is neither intended or identified for flexible cord connection, and the fastening means and mechanical connections are not SPECIFICALLY designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repairs, they are designed for permanent installation with specific clearances to combustibles.
Can a furnace be hard wired?
They can use a single pole switch as the disconnect means on a dedicated circuit. A furnace has a UL listing as a permanently installed appliance and must be hard wired.
