Section 422.31 (B) "... circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or is capable of being locked in the open position."
Would being able to lock the panel door meet this requirement?
Interesting question. IMO it would since you are accomplishing the same thing as locking the breaker.
See the change in the 2005 NEC:
422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances.
(B) .......the branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or is capable of being locked in the open position. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or without the lock installed.
Joe,
Isn't that just talking about one of those plastic locking devices that cover a breaker, saying thats not enough.
"..installed on or AT the switch or circuit breaker..."
That shows that it does not actually have to be installed on the breaker to me.
We are not on the '05 code Joe.