NEC 440.14
What it means on the job
NEC 440.14 requires the disconnecting means to be within sight from and readily accessible from the air-conditioning or refrigerating equipment. 'Within sight' (or 'In Sight From') per NEC Article 100 means the equipment is visible AND not more than 50 feet distant. The scenario satisfies both: the disconnect is visible from the unit and only 30 feet away (under the 50-foot limit), and it is readily accessible on the exterior wall. There is NO NEC requirement that the disconnect be on the 'same level' as the equipment or that the servicer never leave the rooftop — a wall-mounted disconnect that is visible, within 50 feet, and readily accessible is fully compliant. The installation meets 440.14.
Tested in 1 CraftIQ puzzle
- code-checkDisconnect Requirements for HVAC Equipment
Related NEC sections
NEC 430.102(B)
A disconnecting means must be located within sight of the motor it controls so a technician can lock it out for service. None is provided here.
NEC 430.32
Each motor must have overload protection to prevent damage from sustained overcurrent. Overloads are separate from the branch circuit short-circuit protection and are typically sized at 115-125% of motor FLA.
NEC 430.72
A motor control circuit tapped from the branch-circuit conductors must be protected against overcurrent per the control-circuit rules; an unprotected tap is a fire risk.
NEC 445.18 / NFPA 110 7.2
An emergency stop accessible from outside the generator room is required so operators can shut down the generator without entering a potentially hazardous space (fire, fuel leak, or excessive noise). NEC 445.18 requires a readily accessible disconnecting means.
NEC 460.8 / VFD Manufacturer Guidelines
Power factor correction capacitors must never be installed on the output side of a VFD. The capacitors resonate with the VFD's PWM switching frequency, causing destructive overcurrents that will fail the capacitors and potentially damage the drive. Capacitors go on the input side only.
NEC 480.9(A) / NFPA 1 52.3.3
VRLA and flooded lead-acid batteries emit hydrogen gas during charging. Without dedicated ventilation, hydrogen can accumulate to explosive concentrations (4% LEL). Mechanical ventilation is required per NEC 480.9(A) (Ventilation) and NFPA 1 52.3.3.
CraftIQ explanations are original educational commentary written in trade language and verified against the cited standards. Always confirm requirements against the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction — this is training material, not a substitute for the code book or your AHJ.