ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues GFCI receptacle used as a disconnect?

I rather like the idea. Not only does this help you meet the recommendation to regularly 'test' the GFCI, but the new (since 2001) GFCI's have an indicating light, to verify if they've been tripped.

The 2001 revision of GFCI requirements also took care of the old issue of a mis-wired GFCI not operating properly. Now a GFCI, like a disconnect, must open all the 'hot' conductors.

Unlike snap switches -which are often rated at less than circuit ampacity- a GFCI is rated for opening under load, even a motor load.

I say a GFCI meets the 'disconnect' requirement of the NEC. It does not, though, meet the LOTO requirements of OSHA.