What Voltage can I work on.

[sconorton]

I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts where in the system can I service the unit. I am thinking from the local 220/550 V disconnect to any HVAC Motor or Controls downstream from the disconnect

[chiller32]

I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts where in the system can I service the unit. I am thinking from the local 220/550 V disconnect to any HVAC Motor or Controls downstream from the disconnect

As the owner you can service what ever you want. just don't get anybody killed.

[sconorton]

Originally Posted by sconorton
I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts or 110V where in the system can a "Licenced HVAC Tradesmen" service the unit. Can this person work on any or all of these voltages. Everything from 550v motors to 24vdc low voltage controls. I would think any and all of the above just not before the local disconnect feeding said HVAC Unit. It seems to me that there would not be 3 different Licenses required for each of the voltages. Right!

[Snoring Beagle]

Call your local electrical code department and ask them.

[chiller32]

Originally Posted by sconorton
I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts or 110V where in the system can a "Licenced HVAC Tradesmen" service the unit. Can this person work on any or all of these voltages. Everything from 550v motors to 24vdc low voltage controls. I would think any and all of the above just not before the local disconnect feeding said HVAC Unit. It seems to me that there would not be 3 different Licenses required for each of the voltages. Right!

Christ go away! don't ask stupid questions! I give you the answer and you tell me YOU think we need three licenses. We are not freakin electricians! and as a Trades Man HVAC I have worked on 2 volts to as high as 13,200 does that clear it up for you.

[txhvac]

Christ go away! don't ask stupid questions! I give you the answer and you tell me YOU think we need three licenses. We are not freakin electricians! and as a Trades Man HVAC I have worked on 2 volts to as high as 13,200 does that clear it up for you.

LOL!:D

[berg2666]

Call a professional HVAC technician to work on the system, remember liability....

[rich pickering]

I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts where in the system can I service the unit. I am thinking from the local 220/550 V disconnect to any HVAC Motor or Controls downstream from the disconnect

I'm thinking that in Ontario, YOU can't work on any electrical. Maybe Key or Gruntly will be along shortly.

[herschmidt]

The problem is almost all electrician they dont know how an hvac system works, so how can they service a unit if they dont know how it works.

Have respect for the electricity, it can kill you.

[Carrene #2]

I don't think any HVAC company is going to ever have an electrician and a refrigeration airconditioning mechanic riding around together on the same van, to respond to a service call.
I do know where your question is coming from, with the new electrical code, etc..
First thing I'll say is, I'd question your your capabilities as a " Maintenance Manager".
Second thing I'll say is, can you read? If so, read the electrical code. The answer is there.

[sconorton]

Christ go away! don't ask stupid questions! I give you the answer and you tell me YOU think we need three licenses. We are not freakin electricians! and as a Trades Man HVAC I have worked on 2 volts to as high as 13,200 does that clear it up for you.

Learn how to read...........I never said anywhere that I think you need 3 Licences. I was just asking a question, you don't have to be a #@@.

[mattm]

Such a loving community of guys here. :D

Like said though. You really need to get the latest code book and see what is required.

[sconorton]

Thanks man, I will get the code book! Here is the background, I have 22 Electricians who can't understand why a qualified HVAC guy claims he cannot work on and HVAC system over 120volts. This HVAC guy does not report to me and his boss is supporting his claim. I wanted to get a quick answer so that is why I came here, because I assumed this is where the professionals are. Little did I know!!!! But I do appreciate your feedback.

[mattm]

There's a few Canada guys on the site that post a lot. Check back later and I'm sure they will be able to help you out.

[Wheelbaron]

Thanks man, I will get the code book! Here is the background, I have 22 Electricians who can't understand why a qualified HVAC guy claims he cannot work on and HVAC system over 120volts. This HVAC guy does not report to me and his boss is supporting his claim. I wanted to get a quick answer so that is why I came here, because I assumed this is where the professionals are. Little did I know!!!! But I do appreciate your feedback.

perhaps you should have phrased the question this way in the first place...:rolleyes:

Here in WI there is no problem working on high voltage equipment at the equipment as a licensed HVAC tech. When you get past the disconnect, then you have to check with the code. Most stuff 240 or less you can work on at the electrical panel and add lines as necessary as long as you get the permits and inspections. But that is just here.

May be that the tech just is not comfortable working with high voltage, do you want to be the one to tell his kids that daddy got fried because he was pushed beyond his technical abilities?

[swellmel]

perhaps you should have phrased the question this way in the first place...:rolleyes:

Here in WI there is no problem working on high voltage equipment at the equipment as a licensed HVAC tech. When you get past the disconnect, then you have to check with the code. Most stuff 240 or less you can work on at the electrical panel and add lines as necessary as long as you get the permits and inspections. But that is just here.

May be that the tech just is not comfortable working with high voltage, do you want to be the one to tell his kids that daddy got fried because he was pushed beyond his technical abilities?

While doing Maintenance here in AR, USA we were allowed to go from the disconnect throughout the unit--no matter what the voltage; however, we could change the breaker at the main panel if needed. All low voltage wiring associated with the unit(s), i.e thermostat wiring etc.. was ours also.
You just have to wear "very supportive" briefs(If you catch my drift).:eek:

[allstar08]

Asking the question like that would have been the key. Anything after the disconnect is fair game with a 06. If you have a 07, the way it is worded, you can do just about anything you want. Call a hvac company with a journey mechanic with a 07 and you are set. As to your present tech, I think he is bit off base.

[cateyes]

here in new jersey, you can work with any voltage you feel comfortable working with. when working with 4160 or higher great care must be taken. good luck

[cjcargo]

I work on any voltage units. I also replace breakers and disconnects. I've run high and low voltage wiring. I have no electrical licenses, but the companies I work for do. I think. :D

[swellmel]

I work on any voltage units. I also replace breakers and disconnects. I've run high and low voltage wiring. I have no electrical licenses, but the companies I work for do. I think. :D

Avatar is quite interesting--looks like me at night and the next morning.

[osiyo]

I am a Maintenance Manager and I am trying to understand if a HVAC system is fed 220V or 550 Volts where in the system can I service the unit. I am thinking from the local 220/550 V disconnect to any HVAC Motor or Controls downstream from the disconnect

You're pretty much going to get a lot of different answers and opinions here.

In the U.S. the answer is pretty much governed by which state you work in, and in some cases, by which city.

The U.S. NEC (National Electrical Code) does not actually address the answer to your question. The individual states make up their own licensing rules and have their own Electrical Code. Tho, in all cases that I'm aware of the individual state electrical codes start out by saying you'll follow the NEC unless stated explicitly otherwise by some state rule.

In Minnesota, where I live, the state electrical code states that a HVAC mechanic who has completed some state recognized HVAC course (which is subject to interpretation and change) can work on anything "within the appliance". This is GENERALLY recognized as anything after the disconnect.

Technically, to run thermostat wires, remote wired temperature sensors, DDC equipment and it's associated wiring if it didn't come already installed in the appliance (air handler, boiler, whatever) they're supposed to obtain a Limited Energy Technician license.

Best if yah ask some of your fellow Canadians, prefferably those from the same area you're in.

Also note that, in the U.S. at least, some major cities add their own rules.