HID Rated 2

[ClausB]

Can someone provide me with the source or requirement for HID rated circuit breakers and what the HID rating means?

 

[peebee]

Wow, that was a new one on me!

A Google search on "hid-rated circuit breaker definition" turned up this site among others:

http://www.imsasafety.org/journal/marapr22002.htm

, from which I quote:

"240.83(D) [Marking] Circuit Breakers Used as Switches
A new sentence requires any circuit breaker used to switch HID lighting to be marked HID.
Two types of circuit breakers have been available for switching lighting – SWD and HID. The HID rated circuit breaker is listed to switch both fluorescent and HID. The SWD circuit breaker is only listed to switch fluorescent lighting.Many manufacturers will discontinue the SWD version and only offer the HID style. This requirement is only for circuit breakers used to switch lighting, but the HID could be used for HID (HPS, MV and Metal Halide) as it is heaver duty."

Apparently the new HID breakers are being produced to meet this new (2002) NEC requirement.

 

[davidbeach]

Not a new requirement, these have been around for quite some time. Check with the manufacturer of the panel that the breakers go in.

 

[peebee]

I beg your pardon DB, but there was NO SUCH requirement in the 2000 NEC or any prior year. This requirement is NEW to 2002 NEC.

The breakers may have been around for a while, but the requirement is definitely NEW.

 

[davidbeach]

Ok, new requirement in that is now explicitly spelled out. Previously required under the general rule of using equipment per listing requirements. To have used a breaker to switch HID lighting prior to the 2002 code you had to use an HID breaker, but you had to know that these were the breakers listed for that use.