Disconnecting means for a food waste disposal

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Where does the NEC allow a single pole toggle switch as the disconnecting means for a disposal?
The only disconnecting means I see are the branch circuit overcurrent device, the branch circuit switch, a cord-and-plug, an attachment fitting, and a unit switch. Many electricians run power to a toggle switch and then run romex from the toggle switch straight into the intragal junction box on the disposal.
 
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Jraef

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A cord and plug is considered a disconnecting device, see (H). But if, as you say, they have wired right into the disposal and are not using a cord and plug, then C applies.
 

Ponchik

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A cord and plug is considered a disconnecting device, see (H). But if, as you say, they have wired right into the disposal and are not using a cord and plug, then C applies.


If the GD is cord and plug connected, I don't think the NEC even requires a wall switch. It does not make sense, but one can turn ON/OFF the GD by plugging and unplugging it.

I could be wrong.
 

Dennis Alwon

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How is a switch on the counter within sight of the motor? It isn't so technically it is a violation to directly wire a disposal with a switch above the counter.
 

MNSparky

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How is a switch on the counter within sight of the motor? It isn't so technically it is a violation to directly wire a disposal with a switch above the counter.

The OP didn't say anything about it being on the counter. A lot of times we wire them with the switch just inside the door under the sink to avoid the extra switch on the backsplash.

I do see your point, though. I don't think I've ever wired one without a cord and receptacle.

Here's another one I've wondered about: disconnect switch for a furnace mounted on the backside of the furnace. Not within sight of the door where one would work on it, but its actually attached to the equipment. Compliant?
 

Ponchik

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How is a switch on the counter within sight of the motor? It isn't so technically it is a violation to directly wire a disposal with a switch above the counter.

Never thought about it that way. :thumbsup: Good point.
 

jumper

Senior Member
If the GD is cord and plug connected, I don't think the NEC even requires a wall switch. It does not make sense, but one can turn ON/OFF the GD by plugging and unplugging it.

I could be wrong.

I think you may be. I do not see this being allowed in 430.81 or 430.83.

A wall switch may not be the only type of controller allowed, but the cord and plug on a GD would not be allowed as the controller AFAICT.
 

lordofthisworld

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Massachusetts
How is a switch on the counter within sight of the motor? It isn't so technically it is a violation to directly wire a disposal with a switch above the counter.

Where does in the code it says you can’t use a switch above the counter to turn off and on a GD? I would think a switch next to the sink and with having the disposal under the sink is with in sight but I guess thats up to the inspector to decide.
 

Ponchik

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I think you may be. I do not see this being allowed in 430.81 or 430.83.

A wall switch may not be the only type of controller allowed, but the cord and plug on a GD would not be allowed as the controller AFAICT.

I see your point.
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
How is a switch on the counter within sight of the motor? It isn't so technically it is a violation to directly wire a disposal with a switch above the counter.
I know of one plumber that could actually crawl completely into a average sink base cabinet to make up his connections in there, I suppose for him it is not within sight. I am not going to fit in there, if I do, I will be so crammed in there I'm not going to be working on anything - so I don't know it applies as much to me.
 
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