disconnect requirements for portable welder

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beaupaul

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is fused disconnect switch required at location of 60amp/208 volt 1ph. receptacle for portable welder w/manufacture installed cord & connector? :roll:
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

I was going to say that the receptacle can serve as the disconnecting means then I read 630.13

2002 NEC
630.13 Disconnecting Means.
A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit for each arc welder that is not equipped with a disconnect mounted as an integral part of the welder.

The disconnecting means shall be a switch or circuit breaker, and its rating shall not be less than that necessary to accommodate overcurrent protection as specified under 630.12.
It looks like you must provide a disconnect switch. :confused:
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Looking at this more closely perhaps the welder in question has a built in switch that would satisfy the requirement.

It would have to disconnect all ungrounded conductors.
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

There is a device on the market that would serve as both a plug and receptacle and a switch rated disconnect and allow you to be code compliant. You would probably have to remove the factory installed plug and wire on these devices. See Meltric for more information.
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Originally posted by plugman:
There is a device on the market that would serve as both a plug and receptacle and a switch rated disconnect and allow you to be code compliant.
I have some Meltric plugs in my truck and I like them. I also know that they are rated for use as a disconnect.

I still do not know if they would meet the requirement in this instance.

In this instance the requirement specifically states disconnect switch it does not say disconnect receptacle

That said other than the wording I am sure they would work fine.

Interesting name Plugman any chance you work for Meltric? :D
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Yes, the top of my paycheck says Meltric. I am a Product Engineer and I scan this site due to the fact that our devices are often used to make installations code compliant. Due to our ratings and the tests we have passed, UL considers our devices to have the same capabilites as disconnect switches. Our devices are described as motor and branch circuit disconnect switches on the UL label that is affixed to each device. I am very confident our product would comply in this application.
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Originally posted by iwire:...
In this instance the requirement specifically states disconnect switch it does not say disconnect receptacle
...
Disconnecting Means . A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.

Switch: A device for opening and closing or for changing the connection of a circuit. In these rules, a switch is understood to be manually operable, unless otherwise stated.
(NESC/T&D) (2-1997, C2.2-1960)
Bob,

In my opinion this device is definitely a disconnect switch. Neither disconnect switch, disconnect nor switch are defined terms in the NEC; however, these devices clearly function as a disconnecting means as defined in Art 100 and as switches as defined in the NESC.

In fact, if they were Class I rated, I wouldn't have too much problem using them in classified locations per 501.4(A)(2) and 501.11.
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Bob what you and plugman say makes great sense, and I knew that already.

What is hanging me up is the wording of that section.

Here are just a few of the 519 hits I got for disconnecting means in the 2002 NEC

225.31

230.70

240.40

422.30

422.32

422.33

424.19

426.50

427.55

430.101

440.11

440.63

445.18

455.8

460.8

517.72

525.21

527.4

I can not find any that are like 630.13 that specify that the disconnecting means shall be a switch or circuit breaker.

Why the difference for this section?

I agree the Meltrics would work, they are a good product. :)

I am just very curious about the wording in 630.13. :confused:

Bob
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

Bob:

Does 630.13 say anything about the disconnecting means (i.e. switch or circuit breaker) having to be at the welder?

I would think the plug would work at the welder if there is a circuit breaker back at the panel.

Steve
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

I read this section a couple of more times. Now it sounds like the "switch or circuit breaker" is only required if the welder is not equipped with an integral disconnect.

In other words, an integral disconnect could be any type of disconnect (like a plug), but a disconnect that is not integral would have to be a switch or circuit breaker.


In my opinion, the fused disconnect is not required.

Steve
 
Re: disconnect requirements for portable welder

I tend to agree with Steve that the circuit breaker at the panel can be considered the disconnect. 630.13 doesn't say where it must be located.
Jim T
 
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