laundromat equipment disconnects

[bwyllie]

washers are 208, 3P & dryers are 120V, 1P, hard wired and if the washers and dryers are located along a wall and each equipment requires a disconnect at the equipment do I need 36" between the disconnects and washer/dryers? And if so, would I be better off trying to located the panelboards within sight of the washers/dryers and therefore eliminate the disconnects?
Thank you for your help/comments/ideas, etc,etc!

 

[bphgravity]

Re: laundromat equipment disconnects

I think in a typical laundromat, the disconnecting means for the appliances should probably not be accesible to customers and I doubt you will be able to maintain working and equipment clearances. I would either locate the branch circuit panelboard within sight of the equipment, or install locking devices on the breakers serving the equipment.

 

[jtester]

Re: laundromat equipment disconnects

ome of our inspectors, New Mexico, have required Working Space Clearance as required in 110.26(A) because of the Handbook explanation that the word examination, as used n 110.26(A), includes such tasks as checking for the presence of voltage with a portable voltmeter. The interpretation from them is that checking for voltage is a likely occurence.

 

[George Stolz]

Re: laundromat equipment disconnects

(If we were voting, I'd agree with the breakerlocks.)

I've never looked at a hard-wired laundromat! So, as far as installation goes, my therory would be one large conduit, regular T-shaped conduit bodies (what are LB's made in a T-shape called? TB's?), reducing down to 3/4" LFMC, wired to the appliance? I'd imagine you'd have to account for the motion of the appliance, right?

What's the right way?

 

[iwire]

Re: laundromat equipment disconnects

There is a good chance breaker locks will not be enough. The equipment will need to meet the requirements of the exception to 422.32 in order to use breaker locks.

422.32 Disconnecting Means for Motor-Driven Appliance.

If a switch or circuit breaker serves as the disconnecting means for a permanently connected motor-driven appliance of more than 1/8 hp, it shall be located within sight from the motor controller and shall comply with Part IX of Article 430.

Exception: If a motor-driven appliance of more than 1/8 hp is provided with a unit switch that complies with 422.34(A), (B), (C), or (D), the switch or circuit breaker serving as the other disconnecting means shall be permitted to be out of sight from the motor controller.