Fan flap

[toddro1971]

Currently, in our industrial plant we use 120 volt AC, 1/2 HP Dayton floor fans. These fans come with a pull chain on/off switch. These switches are the problem, in that they last about 1 month before an operator breaks them. I have always removed these switches when they break and butt-spliced the connections together. My supervisor says you have to replace the switch because the fan needs a means of disconnect. I say the 6 foot cord is a means of disconnect, just like many of our 480 volt motors we unplug and lockout with plug lock tubes. Whose correct?

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Fan flap

Yes, I believe the cord-and-plug connection can serve as the disconnecting means, however you will violate the use of the equipment as listed by the manufacturer.

 

[toddro1971]

Re: Fan flap

Here's the rub article 422-22 says (a) "Separable connector or an attached plug and receptacle. For cord and plug connected appliances, an accessible separable connector or an accessible plug and receptacle shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. Where the separable connector or plug and receptacle is not accessible, cord and plug connected devices shall be provided with disconnecting means in accordance with sec. 422-21" ok, 422-21 is for permanently connected devices. not applicable here. However, 422-21 does have (FPN #1) - For motor driven appliances more than 1/8 horsepower, see section 422-27) it starts out saying IF a switch or circuit breaker....Not that it must have for motors over 1/8. Someone interpret all this for me. Check your book first please.

 

[curt swartz]

Re: Fan flap

The pull chain switch is the controller not the disconnect. The attachment plug is your disconnect.