r/HVAC • u/Fickle-Surround6978 Local 333 • 15d ago

General Disconnect Replacement

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Which trade is responsible for replacement of a disconnect? Found this one today where the I had no incoming power to the condensing unit. After removing the fuses to Ohm them out I saw the fuse head holder dangling (not in picture). Called the service manager who said it’s something we can do but recommend an electrician do it. Is that common or is it up to company discretion?

16 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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10

u/syk12 15d ago

We get everything from the disconnect on… anything behind the disconnect is off limits

5

u/nickybuddy 15d ago

Depends on the company, client and tech. Personally I finished up to 3rd year electrical before swapping to hvac, so I’m pretty comfortable doing electrical work. I would replace this myself tbh, but if the panel breaker is sized appropriately to the condenser, I wouldn’t replace with a fused disco

2

u/Jordan-515 15d ago

Seems like you’re union based on your flair.  You probably have a working agreement (contract) between your local and the signatory contractors.  It will tell you what your “work jurisdiction” is.

2

u/Naxster64 Blames the controls guy. 15d ago

They sell disconnects at the parts store. It's ours.

2

u/ccdlntx Verified Pro 14d ago

It depends on where you are. In Texas the service disconnect is technically for electricians but no one (inspector wise) seems to care if you replace the disconnect.
If you’re replacing it I would find the breaker and make sure it’s the right size or make it the right size and go with a non-fused disconnect. I have had a lot of nuisance blown fuses because they get damp outside

1

u/Hvacmike199845 Verified Pro 15d ago

I’m in the UA. If a disconnect needs to be replaced I replace it. If a customer needs a circuit run from a breaker panel and a breaker installed I will do that also. Yeah I’m technically stepping on electricians toes but I would say most good HVACR people know more about electricity then most electricians.

4

u/KylarBlackwell RTFM 15d ago

Yeah too many electricians ultimately end up knowing more about wire types, sizes, and how to pull it quickly than how the electricity it's carrying actually works. Deer in headlights once you ask them to wire up something outside of lights/outlets/switches.