Furnace sub panel switch???

5/10/2021 at 3:45:00 AM

It is not only a switch since it has a fuse also. Therefore, replacing with a simple switch is not recommended.

In order to use a simple on/off switch, an electrician should check the circuit to make sure there is a proper protection by eliminating that fuse.

5/10/2021 at 3:45:06 AM

It is not only a switch since it has a fuse also. Therefore, replacing with a simple switch is not recommended.

In order to use a simple on/off switch, an electrician should check the circuit to make sure there is a proper protection by eliminating that fuse.

5/10/2021 at 6:02:15 AM

Ok I don't care about keeping it but am I able to move it to the furnace room or does it have to be at the basement stairs, I just know I've been in lots of basements and not many have the switch at the stairs

5/10/2021 at 6:07:57 AM

Or what if I got a 20 amp switch am I still able to use regular 14/2 wire

5/10/2021 at 8:02:43 PM

It appears to be overfused, looks like a 30amp fuse on 15amp wire in the pic you provided, unless it's already on a 15amp fuse at the main panel which protects anything downline.That box only serves at a disconnecting means. You could replace it with a simple toggle switch and clean up that mess of wiring.

6/4/2021 at 2:33:08 PM

This is not an electrical code issue, but a gas / building code issue.

You cannot have a disconnect for the furnace in a location where you have to pass in front of the furnace to turn it off. Typically that is why they are at the bottom of the stairs in open basements. If you are finishing the basement and enclosing the furnace, then the switch has to be outside the furnace room.

You can change that to a basic toggle switch and label if Furnace provided it is properly fused at the panel with a 15 amp breaker / fuse. You still may required a service switch at the furnace

Cheers

John L. Kuehnl-Cadwell, CD, ME

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc