Disconnect required within sight for Combination Motor Starter?

[sdkokx]

Hello, I was wondering if a separate disconnect is required to be in sight of a motor if the motor starter is a combination contactor/manual motor starter. It is capable of being locked in the open position. However it is inside a hinged enclosure with latches and does not have external operating handle. It is operating a 10hp 480v motor. Please let me know if you require any more information.

Thank You

 

[mwm1752]

What is the requirement for a hinged enclosure? And is the enclosure clearly marked?

 

[iwire]

Hello, I was wondering if a separate disconnect is required to be in sight of a motor if the motor starter is a combination contactor/manual motor starter. It is capable of being locked in the open position. However it is inside a hinged enclosure with latches and does not have external operating handle. It is operating a 10hp 480v motor. Please let me know if you require any more information.

Thank You

Both the controller and the motor must have a disconnecting means within sight.

If the controller disconnect is within sight of the motor it meets the requirements.

The only other option is if you fit one of the exceptions for industrial areas or additional hazards.

 

[sdkokx]

Ok thanks. What about not having external operating handle? Is that ok? The enclosure is non-metallic, type 4x, hinged with latches, and is pad-lockable. Don't know if that has any bearing but I figured I would try to provide all of the details. Thanks.

 

[petersonra]

Ok thanks. What about not having external operating handle? Is that ok? The enclosure is non-metallic, type 4x, hinged with latches, and is pad-lockable. Don't know if that has any bearing but I figured I would try to provide all of the details. Thanks.

IIRC, the code does not even require a disconnect to have a handle, although it does have some rules about where the handle has to be if it has one.

The handle is not the disconnecting means, the CB or switch is and it is very rare you can see that without opening up a door of some sort.

I am not convinced that being able to lock the door meets the requirement that the disconnecting means be lockable. The door is not a disconnecting means.

Having said that, it seems perfectly safe.

 

[sdkokx]

IIRC, the code does not even require a disconnect to have a handle, although it does have some rules about where the handle has to be if it has one.

The handle is not the disconnecting means, the CB or switch is and it is very rare you can see that without opening up a door of some sort.

I am not convinced that being able to lock the door meets the requirement that the disconnecting means be lockable. The door is not a disconnecting means.

Having said that, it seems perfectly safe.

Good to know, thanks for your reponse. Sorry I didn't describe it well, the enclosure can be padlocked but the MMS itself can actually be locked in the open position as well.

 

[iwire]

430.107 Readily Accessible. At least one of the disconnecting
means shall be readily accessible.

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being
reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections
without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite
to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable
ladders, and so forth.

How your local inspector / AHJ interprets that is unknown.