I'm looking in the code and haven't been able to establish if a ceiling hung electric heater needs to have a disconnect "in site of the unit" or not, or if the on/off control can be used as the disconnect. There seems to be a lot of "variables" here that I don't have the information for. Just bidding a job, and the heater the homeowner says he going to install, don't have the technical information posted on the site I pulled up ( hp, etc.) though I do know the voltage is 240 volts and load is 5000 wts. I intend on figuring one in anyway, since it's not going to be very much, but I would like to be able to tell the homeowner something definite by the code.I appreciate your help. Thanks, Steve..

The Theromstat Must be within sight and a Two pole Rated for the proper amp. With a OFF position to be classified at a disconnect switch.
424.20 NEC 2005

Thanks for the reply. I'll take one just in case ( if I get the job:) I don't know yet whether the built in thermostat is designated "on/off" or not, though I imagine it is. I've only seen the baseboard type that don't have a "on/off", though I could be wrong. Thanks....Steve

You should also look at 424.19. "Means Shall be provided to disconnect the heater,motor controller.... heating equipment from all ungrouded conductors.

Use a two pole motor rated switch; call it done.