Does a circuit breaker count as a disconnecting means under the NEC?

Yes. NEC 430.109(A)(2) lists molded case breakers as motor disconnects, 230.70 allows a service breaker as the service disconnect, and 422.31(B) permits a branch breaker to disconnect an appliance if it is within sight or capable of being locked open with a permanently installed lockout provision.

Can I use a breaker lockout clip I carry with me?

No. The lockout provision must remain installed on the breaker or panel whether the lock is applied or not. A portable clip that leaves with you does not meet NEC 422.31(B) or 440.14.

Can a Circuit Breaker Serve as a Disconnecting Means?

A user asked the app whether a circuit breaker can act as the disconnecting means. Yes, in nearly every situation the NEC treats a circuit breaker as a legitimate disconnect. The definition of disconnecting means in Article 100 is simply a device by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply, and a breaker does exactly that. The real questions are where the breaker sits, whether it is within sight of the equipment, and whether it needs a lock provision.

Services, motors, and appliances each have their own rule

For services, 230.70 requires a means to disconnect all conductors from the service entrance conductors, and a service rated breaker is the most common way to do it. For motors, 430.109(A)(2) lists a molded case circuit breaker outright as an acceptable disconnecting means, and 430.111 lets one breaker serve as both the controller disconnect and the motor disconnect when it opens all ungrounded conductors. For appliances over 300 volt amperes, 422.31(B) permits the branch circuit breaker to be the disconnect if it is within sight of the appliance, or if it can be locked in the open position with a lockout provision that stays installed on the breaker whether the lock is on or not.

The lockout catch trips people up

That permanent lockout language matters. A portable lockout device you carry in your pouch and clip on for the day does not satisfy 422.31(B) or 440.14 for HVAC equipment. The listed lockout attachment has to remain in place on the panel whether or not a lock is hanging on it. Water heaters, dishwashers, and disposals fed from a panel out of sight of the appliance all lean on this rule, so keep a few breaker lock kits on the truck.

Switching duty ratings

If a breaker is used as a switch for 120 volt or 277 volt fluorescent lighting, 240.83(D) requires it to be listed and marked SWD or HID. HID marked breakers are also the only breakers allowed to switch high intensity discharge lighting. Ordinary breakers used purely for overcurrent protection and occasional disconnection do not need the marking.

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