Height for Industrial Disconnect

[mabell]

Are there guidelines for a "standard" height for an electrical disconnect on an industrial machine? I have in mind mounting one at 60" and don't know if this would cause an issue.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Height for Industrial Disconnect

The NEC requires disconnects, if required to be readily accessible to be not higher than 6' 7" to the center of the operating handle. I don't have my code book handy to give you the section and article. 60" would be fine, I typically install panels at 5'6" to the top from the floor.

[ September 09, 2004, 05:14 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[petersonra]

Re: Height for Industrial Disconnect

Originally posted by mabell:
Are there guidelines for a "standard" height for an electrical disconnect on an industrial machine? I have in mind mounting one at 60" and don't know if this would cause an issue.

The code that deals with this directly is NFPA79, and it allows the handle to be as high as 2m off the floor.

Incidentally - this paragraph deals only with the incoming power disconnect - not any auxiliary motor disconnects that you might add.

"5.3.4.1 The center of the grip of the operating handle of the disconnecting means, when in its highest position, shall be not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor. A permanent operating platform, readily accessible by means of a permanent stair or ladder, shall be considered as the floor for the purpose of this requirement."

 

[mabell]

Re: Height for Industrial Disconnect

Thank you for the excellent replies, you guided me to the paragraph of the standard.
Keep up the good work.