Quick Hits

Episode 14 — Where OCPDs Have to Physically Sit

Covers: 240.24

Hook: Height limits, bathroom bans, and no breakers over the stairs — here's the physical placement rulebook.

Slide 2: Switches/breakers with fuses need to be readily accessible, with the operating handle's grip center no higher than 6 ft 7 in above the floor/grade/platform (exceptions apply for busways, supplementary protection, and equipment-adjacent OCPDs reachable by portable means). Each occupant needs ready access to the OCPDs protecting their space — except where building management provides continuous supervised maintenance in multi-occupancy buildings, guest rooms/suites, or dormitory sleeping rooms without cooking.

Slide 3: OCPDs can't be exposed to physical damage, can't sit near easily ignitible material (like clothes closets), generally can't be in bathrooms/showering facilities/locker rooms with showers (existing installs are grandfathered), and can't be located over stairway steps.

Quiz: What's the maximum height for the operating handle grip of a circuit breaker used as a switch?
Answer: 6 ft 7 in (2.0m) above the floor, grade, or working platform.

CTA: Follow — Part III, enclosures, is next.

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