industrial code question; overhead cranes

[mikelee]

At our steel plant, we are installing an overhead crane that will be powered from an open collector/runway "hot rail" system. In section D of article 610-31 it states in part (4) that the disconnecting means shall be "placed within view of the runway contact conductors.

The secondary sub these rails will be fed from is located directly under the rails inside a control room. The breaker on the MDB meets parts 1-3 but with the breaker inside a room does it meet part 4??? If not and I need to install a disconnecting means on a building column, what device meets this article where it states "motor-circuit switch, circuit breaker, or molded case switch"???? What is a "motor-circuit switch"? Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[meleccarp]

Re: industrial code question; overhead cranes

mike I work in an industrial facility also. We handle lockout devices in one of two ways. We use both methods you describe sometimes with a typical three phase unfused disconnect mounted in close proximity to the equipment or by using a lockable motor protector switch in some cases in control panels-which is basically an adjustable three phase circuit breaker device which is set for motor or system FlC. Many electrical manufacturers make them and call them motot protectors. There are also small motor disconnecting devices available as well that are capable of being locked out as well. Make sure you do your homework and select a device that complies with your system and codes especially when it comes to safety because anyone who services your crane will need to know the location of the lockout.