Machine Electrical cabinet

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Baker

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Location
Pennsylvania
Occupation
Control Technician / Licensed Electrician
Hello everyone, I want to throw this out there while I start researching to see your thoughts. I work in a large industrial manufacturing facility that has very many stand alone machines that have their own control / power cabinets. In this case the machine has an electrical cabinet 240 3phase that houses drives/starters/relays etc... to run the machine. It currently has a disconnect on the front door which opens/closes a fused disconnect of 60amps. The problem is the handle mechanism has broken being unable to open or close the disconnect from the outside. This panel is being supplied by a remote breaker 60amps approximately 100yds away and out of sight from the machine. The proper replacement parts were provided to supervision to replace the cabinet disconnect and they came back with mounting a hubble 3phase non-fused disconnect to the side of this electrical cabinet (no protection). I immediately say no get us the correct parts instead of cobbing up this cabinet. I really want to get a code violation to throw at them and I will be looking myself just wanted some help.
 
Hello everyone, I want to throw this out there while I start researching to see your thoughts. I work in a large industrial manufacturing facility that has very many stand alone machines that have their own control / power cabinets. In this case the machine has an electrical cabinet 240 3phase that houses drives/starters/relays etc... to run the machine. It currently has a disconnect on the front door which opens/closes a fused disconnect of 60amps. The problem is the handle mechanism has broken being unable to open or close the disconnect from the outside. This panel is being supplied by a remote breaker 60amps approximately 100yds away and out of sight from the machine. The proper replacement parts were provided to supervision to replace the cabinet disconnect and they came back with mounting a hubble 3phase non-fused disconnect to the side of this electrical cabinet (no protection). I immediately say no get us the correct parts instead of cobbing up this cabinet. I really want to get a code violation to throw at them and I will be looking myself just wanted some help.
Ideally you'd replace the part. But a disconnect ahead of the feeder is fine. Just make sure it has a horsepower rating congruent with the motor loads it would potentially be asked to interrupt.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk
 
Ideally you'd replace the part. But a disconnect ahead of the feeder is fine. Just make sure it has a horsepower rating congruent with the motor loads it would potentially be asked to interrupt.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

In addition, it’s likely that the original cabinet disconnect has an interlock that prevents the cabinet door from being opened unless in the ‘Off’ position. Depending on how the original failed, it may no longer provide that function.
 
In addition, it’s likely that the original cabinet disconnect has an interlock that prevents the cabinet door from being opened unless in the ‘Off’ position. Depending on how the original failed, it may no longer provide that function.
Correct. That's my main reason that I opt for replacement. But all techs should be trained in LOTO.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk
 
Correct. That's my main reason that I opt for replacement. But all techs should be trained in LOTO.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk
Yea although I don't like it according to 409.21(B) it's allowed. Yes considering the breaker ahead of the cabinet is rated correctly. And yes there is an interlock on the existing disconnect that doesn't allow you to open it when energized without turning the screw but to your point only "qualified electricians" should be in the panel. I just don't like it
 
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