NEC 110.29: In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight)

Or: "Yes, Steve, You Actually Have to SEE the Damn Thing"

The Plain-Language Breakdown

Alright, listen up. You know that apprentice who thinks "within sight" means "somewhere in the same zip code"? Time to set him straight.

When the Code says equipment needs to be "in sight from," "within sight from," or "within sight" of something else, here's what that actually means:

Two simple rules:

1. You gotta be able to SEE it (like, with your actual eyeballs—no binoculars, no security cameras, no psychic abilities)
2. It can't be more than 50 feet away (15 meters for you metric folks)

That's it. Both conditions. Not one or the other. BOTH.

Think of it like this: If you're standing at the disconnecting means, can you see the equipment it's supposed to disconnect? And could you hit it with a decent throw of a roll of MC cable? If yes to both, you're good. If you need a spotting scope or a GPS coordinate, you're wrong.

Why 50 Feet?

Because the Code writers figured that's about as far as you can run while screaming "SHUT IT OFF! SHUT IT OFF!" before something really bad happens. It's the panic-sprint distance. The "oh-crap-that's-arcing" distance. The "I-need-to-kill-power-RIGHT-NOW" distance.

The "Visible" Part

"But I can see it if I lean around the corner!"—Nope.

"But I can see it through that little window in the door!"—Still nope.

"But if I stand on my tiptoes and crane my neck..."—What part of visible don't you understand, junior?

You need a clear, unobstructed line of sight. No doors, no partitions, no panels, no "well, technically if you squint..." If you can't see it while standing in a normal position, it ain't "within sight."

Key Takeaways (The Stuff You Better Remember)

⚡ "Within sight" = TWO requirements (must meet BOTH):

• Must be VISIBLE (clear line of sight, no obstructions)
• Must be not more than 50 feet (15 meters) away

⚡ Distance is measured as the actual path you'd walk/see, not "as the crow flies" through walls and ceilings

⚡ Both conditions must be satisfied simultaneously—you can't have one without the other

⚡ This definition applies EVERYWHERE in the Code where you see the phrase "within sight," "in sight from," or "within sight from"

⚡ Common applications: Disconnecting means for motors, A/C units, appliances, and anywhere you need to lock out equipment safely

Real-World Jobsite Scenarios

Scenario 1: The "Around the Corner" Disconnect

The Setup: You're installing a disconnect for a rooftop AC unit. Your helper mounts it around the corner from the unit because "there's better wall space there" and "it's only like 40 feet away."

The Problem: Yeah, it's 40 feet—but you can't see the AC unit from the disconnect. You're standing there at the disconnect switch, and the unit is around the corner. Not "within sight."

The Fix: Move the disconnect where you can actually see the equipment, or install it within sight AND provide the disconnect right at the unit. Or use an exception if one applies (like a second disconnect that IS within sight).

Why It Matters: When that compressor locks up and starts smoking, the HVAC tech needs to throw that switch while watching the unit. He can't be playing hide-and-seek around corners during an emergency.

Scenario 2: The "It's In The Same Room" Defense

The Setup: You're wiring a commercial kitchen. The disconnect for the walk-in cooler is mounted on a wall 60 feet away from the actual cooler. Your foreman says "It's fine—they're in the same room!"

The Problem: Being in the same room doesn't mean squat if you're over 50 feet away. The Code doesn't say "in the same room." It says within sight and not more than 50 feet. You failed on distance, brother.

The Fix: Relocate the disconnect closer, or install a second disconnect that meets the requirements. Remember: 50 feet maximum, no exceptions on that number.

Why It Matters: When that cooling unit fails and refrigerant starts leaking, someone needs to kill power FAST and from a location where they can see what's happening. Fifty-one feet might as well be a mile when things go sideways.

Scenario 3: The "Through the Door" Situation

The Setup: You mount a motor disconnect outside a mechanical room. The motor is visible through the door window when the door is closed.

The Problem: That door could be closed, locked, blocked, or the window could get covered. "Visible through a window in a door" doesn't count as true visibility. Plus, what if the door is open and blocking your view?

The Fix: Put the disconnect inside the mechanical room where you've got clear, unobstructed sight of the motor, or install it right at the equipment.

Why It Matters: Lockout/tagout procedures require you to verify equipment state visually. You can't do that through a door that might be open, closed, blocked, or removed for maintenance.

Scenario 4: The Ceiling Space Surprise

The Setup: You've got an air handler in a ceiling space. You install the disconnect right at the attic access hatch—you can see the unit from there, and it's only 30 feet away. Perfect, right?

The Problem: Actually, this one might be okay IF you maintain visibility and distance. But here's the catch: when that access panel is closed, can you see it? No. So while the disconnect meets requirements when accessed, you've got to make sure anyone servicing the unit can open that panel and have clear sight.

The Lesson: Think about how the space is actually used. "Within sight" means during service conditions, not just during installation.

Scenario 5: The "I Can See It From Here!" Argument

The Setup: Your apprentice insists the motor disconnect is "within sight" of the motor because he can see it if he leans over the railing on the mezzanine.

The Problem: Cool story, Spider-Man. Now have him stand at the disconnect. Can he see the motor from there WITHOUT leaning over railings, climbing on equipment, or performing gymnastic feats? That's what "within sight" means—normal, safe viewing position.

The Reality Check: If you have to explain WHERE to stand to see both pieces of equipment, it's not "within sight." It needs to be obvious and safe.

What to Study (Exam Time, Baby)

When you're sitting for your Journeyman or Master's exam, here's what they're gonna nail you on:

High-Priority Exam Content:

1. The TWO requirements: Visible AND 50 feet maximum (they love to test this with "one or the other" wrong answers)

2. The 50-foot distance (memorize it in feet; know the 15-meter conversion exists)

3. What "visible" actually means (no obstructions, no doors, no "technically you can see it if...")

4. Common applications:

   • Article 430 (Motors): Disconnect within sight from motor AND driven machinery
   • Article 440 (A/C & Refrigeration): Disconnect within sight from equipment
   • Article 422 (Appliances): Disconnect within sight requirements

5. This is a DEFINITION that applies Code-wide—wherever you see "within sight," THIS is what it means

Typical Exam Question Formats:

• "A motor disconnect is installed 60 feet from the motor but is clearly visible. Does this meet Code?" (Answer: No—exceeds 50 feet)

• "Equipment is 40 feet away but around a corner out of sight. Does this meet 'within sight' requirements?" (Answer: No—not visible)

• "What is the maximum distance for equipment to be considered 'within sight'?" (Answer: 50 feet)

• Scenario-based questions showing a diagram and asking if the disconnect placement is Code-compliant

Study Tips:

• Remember "50 AND SEE"—that's your mnemonic. Both conditions, every time.

• Draw it out: Practice sketching installations and identifying whether they meet both requirements

• Know where this pops up: Go through Articles 422, 424, 430, 440, and 645—these are heavy on "within sight" requirements

• Don't overthink it: The Code means exactly what it says—50 feet maximum, visible, both conditions, done.

The Bottom Line

This isn't complicated, but it's one of those things that lazy electricians try to fudge because "it's close enough" or "you can kind of see it if you try."

Stop it.

The "within sight" rule exists for one reason: SAFETY. When stuff goes wrong—and it will go wrong—someone needs to kill power immediately while maintaining visual contact with the equipment. They can't do that from 75 feet away around a corner.

Fifty feet. Visible. Both requirements. Every time.

Tell your apprentice. Tell your helper. Hell, tell your boss if he's trying to cut corners.

Because the only thing worse than explaining to an inspector why your disconnect doesn't meet Code is explaining to a lawyer why someone got hurt because they couldn't safely shut down equipment.

Now get back to work. And measure that distance. With a tape measure. Not your "professional estimation."

Remember: The Code is the minimum standard, not a suggestion. "Within sight" isn't a philosophical concept—it's 50 feet and visible, period. End of discussion. 🔌⚡