[Daneel]

All the 240 VAC quick-disconnects I have seen include either two plug fuses and a two-pole knife switch -or- a two-pole breaker.

Can an ordinary DPST 30A switch be used as a quick-disconnect?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Port]

What are you trying to disconnect? What is the equipment rating? Does the equipment say fuses only?

There are disconnects with just a pullout, about $10.

 

[Daneel]

quick disconnect for water heater

Thanks, Jim.

I have a 4500-Watt water heater on a 240 VAC circuit that is protected by a 2-pole 30A breaker in the main panel. There is also a Wadsworth 30A quick disconnect next to the water heater in a bathroom.

I have bypassed one leg of the Wadsworth because that side of the box heats up too hot to touch, the metal has discolored, and the plug fuse on that leg blows after the water heater is powered on. I am guessing that the metal alloy on the problematic leg has gone bad and offers enough resistance to get hot when a continuous 19A flows through it.

The 30A breaker in the panel has never blown. I was thinking about replacing the quick disconnect with a Leviton SPDT 30A industrial switch from Home Depot for $11:

www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100356941/h_d2/ProductDisplay?landId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Would this meet code?

Thanks,
Daneel

 

[Daneel]

no quick disconnect specs

I have not found anything on the water heater that addresses quick disconnect specifications.

I am assuming that the code requires a quick disconnect next to the heater.

 

[Rbneron]

I have not found anything on the water heater that addresses quick disconnect specifications.

I am assuming that the code requires a quick disconnect next to the heater.

Code often requires for safety reasons when servicing. Many a plumber has been killed when servicing a supposedly disconnected water heater that was still energized. I'd go with the pull type mentioned earlier (may be required); inexpensive and no question when it is deenergized.

 

[jbfan]

The disconnect does not need to have a breaker or fuses.
Most 30 disconnects at the box stores have a switch that look like a breaker, but does not function like a breaker.

Any 30 A/C disconnect will work.