Cape Canaveral Chapter of the
American Society of Safety Engineers
American Society of Safety Engineers
Gateway to the Final Frontier
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Message from our Chapter President : Marty Berry |
Disconnecting Means for Fluorescent Lamp Fixtures with Ballasts
In May 2004, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) adopted an amendment to the
National Electrical Code (NEC) 410.73 that requires all fluorescent luminaires with ballast(s),
except dwellings and associated accessory structures, include a disconnecting means that will
open all grounded and ungrounded ballasts supply conductors with the line side terminals of the
disconnecting means being guarded. The requirement became effective 1 January, 2008. This
requirement is in Article 410.130.G of the 2008 Edition of NFPA 70 NEC.
For years, electricians serviced fluorescent lamp fixtures and ballasts while energized, to avoid
removing illumination from an entire area or room. A risk of serious injury exists while working on
lighting systems that are energized.
The risks:
• Personnel working on ladders with limited space for movement. Possible injury due to fall.
• Contact with energized parts. Possible injury due to shock.
• Contact with energized parts and fall from ladder. Possible injury due to shock and fall.
Now, there is a better way! Install a disconnecting means that will open all grounded and
ungrounded supply conductors with the line side terminals of the disconnecting means being
guarded.
When servicing luminaires, install disconnects. This will protect the electricians from accidental
contact with energized circuits for future servicing.
The advantages:
• Once the disconnecting means is installed, between the fluorescent fixture or ballast and
incoming power the servicing electrician will be able to service the fixture without handling un-
insulated energized parts.
• Will save time and money for future servicing of luminaries.
2008 Edition NFPA 70 NEC 410.130.G.
(1) General.
Disconnecting Means. In indoor locations other than dwellings and associated accessory
structures, fluorescent luminaires that utilize double-ended lamps and contain ballast(s) that can
be serviced in place shall have a disconnecting means either internal or external to each
luminaire. The line side terminals of the disconnecting means shall be guarded.
Exception No. 1: A disconnecting means shall not be required for luminaires installed in
hazardous (classified) location(s).
Exception No. 2: A disconnecting means shall not be required for emergency illumination
required in 700.16.
Exception No. 3: For cord-and-plug-connected luminaires, an accessible separable connector
or an accessible plug and receptacle shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means.
Exception No. 4: A disconnecting means shall not be required in industrial establishments with
restricted public access where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only
qualified persons service the installation by written procedures.
Exception No. 5: Where more than one luminaire is installed and supplied by other than a
multiwire branch circuit, a disconnecting means shall not be required for every luminaire when
the design of the installation includes disconnecting means, such that the illuminated space
cannot be left in total darkness.
(2) Multiwire Branch Circuits.
When connected to multiwire branch circuits, the disconnecting means shall simultaneously
break all the supply conductors to the ballast, including the grounded conductor.
(3) Location.
The disconnecting means shall be located so as to be accessible to qualified persons before
servicing or maintaining the ballast. Where the disconnecting means is external to the luminaire,
it shall be a single device, and shall be attached to the luminaire or the luminaire shall be
located within sight of the disconnecting means.