Mini split indoor handler code requiring dedicated switch near/for unit?

Just had a mini split system installed and the electrician added (ugly) switches next to each indoor air handler claiming it’s code. I’m going to have him remove or relocate them, and wondering if anyone knows if it’s actually code? [IMG_20180503_183020](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:8IIV:img_20180503_183020.jpg.jpg)

jjnoonan

in General Discussion 7 years and 4 months ago

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jjnoonan | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Yep, both right, these units are powered from the outside one. Thanks for your responses!

eman134 | 7 years and 4 months ago

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mozeeatupu…. on a lot of the newer units, power is fed to the air handlers from the outdoor condenser. Older units had an independent line powering the air handler from the breaker panel. So the only way to disconnect the air handler without shutting down the entire system is by adding the safety disconnect at the air handler

mozeeatupu | 7 years and 4 months ago

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That link is referring to the outdoor unit.
For the indoor unit NYC states “a lockable branch circuit overcurrent protection device in the source branch circuit panel may serve as the disconnecting means for the indoor unit. See Sections 422.31(B) and 440.14”

jjnoonan | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks for the responses, they helped me investigate a bit more and confirm what @ashton13 and @AdvancedBuildCo are saying:
> 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.

This also led me to other similar discussions, e.g.:
– https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/111520/do-i-need-a-disconnect-switch-for-my-mini-split-air-conditioner
– http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=162543&page=2

@mozeeatupu and @GreenThinker the outside unit has a switch as required there. The picture I posted is of the inside unit on an interior wall, the cables and drain are installed inside the walls.

chinyere.ezie | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Basically all motorized equipment requires a disconnect switch adjacent to the unit. As ashton13 remarked under electrical code this is known as “life safety issue” Because the various manufacturers of mini split systems have different wiring configurations even though the outside unit is off the interior unit could still be energized because the interior unit is directly wired to the power source and receives its command to operate through the signal or control wiring. A lot of the newer interior mini split units are now wired for 208 v which can give you a nice jolt if the system is shorted out while working on it.

mozeeatupu | 7 years and 4 months ago

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It’s required by the exterior unit. Looking at that install makes me wonder how the exterior unit was installed

smadargolan | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Yes – it is now required. I don’t have specific code references, but when mine were installed last year it was explained to me that it is there for the safety of anyone working on the unit – a kill switch has to be located within reach so that if, say, a tech is working on the unit and becomes entangled in the mechanics, they can still shut it down.

GreenThinker | 7 years and 4 months ago

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There needs to be a switch next to the exterior unit. But i’ve never seen or heard of what you’re electrician did right there. Doesn’t make any sense, for one you can’t even reach that switch, and secondly the indoor units are powered by the exterior unit. So, i can’t even phantom how he wired that switch. Does it just turn off the interior unit, does it turn off the exterior unit as well?