Disconnect needed for machine for safety?

[Stevenfyeager]

I have to run a circuit for a clothes baler, 3 phase, 60 amp. It is in a nonprofit organization with volunteers
The machine will only be about 10 feet away from the panel. I was not going to install a disconnect. But I wonder for safety if a volunteer is working there, the disconnect is easier to see, quicker to find than a breaker in a panel.. ?
The inspector says I do not need one.
Of course, cost is also an issue. They’re not cheap.
Thank

 

[infinity]

Doesn't the baler have an On/Off switch? If so I don't see the separate disconnect as adding any margin of safety with the breaker 10' away.

 

[roger]

Disconnects are not "emergency off" switches and are not intended to be.

 

[Sberry]

You have an inspector standing there says you dont need one. Why/what's the problem?

 

[Stevenfyeager]

Thank you, was just wondering.

 

[readydave8]

I voted "no", if I could vote twice it'd be "no" again.

 

[hillbilly1]

It would be an OSHA thing, it has to be lockable in the off position. If you have a breaker lock that’s capable of a tag and lock, you’re good. Usually balers have a lockable disconnect built into the controller anyway.

 

[Master Nater]

it does have an e-stop on the control box for safety stop, right?

the side-arm disconnect is for repair/maintenance. i hope your volunteers are not doing that. i believe the maintenance disconnect is only required to be within 50' and within sight of the machine, so the man working on it can positively control that it is not turned on.

 

[Joethemechanic]

It would be an OSHA thing, it has to be lockable in the off position. If you have a breaker lock that’s capable of a tag and lock, you’re good. Usually balers have a lockable disconnect built into the controller anyway.

I wouldn't be comfortable without some kind of LOTO provisions.

 

[garbo]

It's a tuff call if you are bidding on work to go above the code but I would attempt to talk a business to install a disconnect. Liked it even more if customers had a fusible safety switch on hand. Would instruct the maintenance personnel to pull fuses then install a lock on bailer motor safety switch. We had light ( aluminum ) Abus padlocks that I always carried two on my tool pouch.

 

[herding_cats]

You have "line of sight" from the panel which mean no disconnect is necessary. I believe article 430ish you will find this.

 

[infinity]

It would be an OSHA thing, it has to be lockable in the off position. If you have a breaker lock that’s capable of a tag and lock, you’re good. Usually balers have a lockable disconnect built into the controller anyway.

Yes the NEC wouldn't require it to be lockable since the circuit breaker is within sight.