ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Locking "On" a Service Disconnect

Locks are for honest people.

If it can be locked "on" i.e. there are an appropriately aligned pair of holes then its perfectly OK - its designed to be used that way.

To Ann's comment....I have to add some of the older ITE/Gould discos that have the side 'push' type handle, only one perfect hole works

How would you lock one of these in the on position without some drilling?

Break out the cordless drill?

'Your honor......it was like that from the supply house'

From memory, some of the 'side handles like the pics have some play in the handle above the side guard.

I would follow the directions from the manufacturer. In the case of Square D, there is actually a factory stamped 'dimple' for a field drilled "lock-on" hole.

Thanks JBD!

And Now ... for the opposing view:

I recently installed a new service for some spaces in a mobile home park. The plan is: power for one space now, provide for two more.

The PoCo refused to set a transformer and run the new lines for one trailer; with three planned, no problem. I set up a common meter board, a gutter just long enough to feed three meters, and a main disconnect to make the later addition of the two additional meters easier.

Why not install the meter bases now? Because the city has not approved the additional two spaces; there are myriad other issues the park has to address before the next two spaces are allowed.

Well, I just had a chat with the PoCo. This person - who has not been involved until now - was insisting I "secure the disconnect side of the service feed." A phone call clarified what I suspected: their linesman was confused by my putting a main disconnect where there were fewer than seven meters - and was so accustomed to seeing a chain and lock on the disco that he thought it was mandatory!

Most, if not all the disconnects shown are nema 1 (not raintite) enclosures. I looked at several 3R rated for main disconnect and they have a hole for locking in the on position.

Locks only slow down the honest people, or the first time thieves, and my kids wonder why I live in such a small town.