I had to disengage a 3 phase 200 amp fused disconnect to change out a sub panel. After the work was complete I went to engage the lever on the disconnect and it would not engage it would only go up part way. After a few minutes of trying to get it to engage I decided to lift the blades part way (with my class 0 gloves on) and that did the trick. I am not sure why it worked if the disconnect had a reset on it that had to be engaged to work the lever. Nothing in the box was bent or broken. Thanks

Did you have the door to the disconnect open? Most have a device that makes you have to close the door to engage the switch.

Mark

This. New panels you can't close the gear unless the door is closed in case it arcs for whatever reason. Protects you from the arc, the current and or the fireball.

Door was closed I had to open the door and partially open the blades to get it to close.

tahts weird. SOunds like something out of line or bent slightly.

That's what I thought. Maybe the safety catch on the door was stuck and it released when I moved the blades

Around here that disconnect would be red tagged and locked out until it was replaced...

around here it would be jury rigged so there was no shut off and 8 gauge wire in place of the breaker, safety first

Probably nothing any more sinister than a linkage issue. De-energize the feed to that panel and adjust it correctly.

Just out of curiosity, I notice you mention gloves, any arc flash related PPE at your disposal?
Was the panel correctly marked, etc...?

Yup FR rated clothing and face shield

I hate that $hit. Its hot ass 40 hells and fogs up so you cant see, real safe. The gloves make it more dangerous when doing certain tasks it you have to do it while energized. Yeah yeah I know maybe some day it will protect me. Probably cause I couldn't see what i was doing. Not a fan.