Disconnecting Means NOT REQUIRED

[Droid]

I'm tasked with ensuring that the design and installation of a 22 acre Industrial Process Plant with both hazardous materials and classified areas complies with known codes and standards. The engineer of record claims that the motors, everything from fractional HP to 3,000 HP (4160V), do not have to comply with motor disconnecting means for compliance with lock out/tag out (within 50', visible, readily accessible). Under what conditions is this true. I cannot believe that the AHJ would approve of this methodology.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Does this answer the question

430.102(A) Motor Controller.
An individual disconnecting means shall be provided for each motor controller and shall disconnect the motor controller. The disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the motor controller location.

In Sight From (Within Sight From) (Within Sight).
Equipment that is visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from other equipment is in sight from that other equipment. (CMP-1)

 

[petersonra]

430.102 (A) applies to motor controller disconnects. Motor disconnect requirements are found in 430.102(B).

(430.102 B) Motor. A disconnecting means shall be provided for a
motor in accordance with (B)(1) or (B)(2).
(1) Separate Motor Disconnect. A disconnecting means for
the motor shall be located in sight from the motor location and
the driven machinery location.
(2) Controller Disconnect. The controller disconnecting
means required in accordance with 430.102(A) shall be permitted
to serve as the disconnecting means for the motor if it is in
sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location.
Exception to (1) and (2): The disconnecting means for the motor shall
not be required under either condition (a) or condition (b), which
follow, provided that the controller disconnecting means required in
430.102(A) is lockable in accordance with 110.25.

(a) Where such a location of the disconnecting means for the
motor is impracticable or introduces additional or increased hazards to
persons or property

Informational Note: Some examples of increased or additional
hazards include, but are not limited to, motors rated in excess of
100 hp, multimotor equipment, submersible motors, motors
associated with adjustable speed drives, and motors located in
hazardous (classified) locations.

(b) In industrial installations, with written safety procedures,
where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only
qualified persons service the equipment

Does your installation qualify under exception (a) or (b)?

 

[Droid]

I believe that the engineer of record is going to use exception (b). This will need to comply with OSHA 190.147 LOTO.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Remote lockouts with written procedures are very commonly used in industrial facilities around here, especially facilities with Classified area because of the costs associated with a disconnect suitable for use in a classified area.