Motor Disconnect

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ptonsparky

ptonsparky

Tom
Location
NE (9.06 miles @5.9 Degrees from Winged Horses)
Occupation
EC - retired
430.102 etc

I try to put a disconnecting means within sight of each motor. Yes, I know how far an inspector can see. 50'.
Ag projects so no inspector will see it until the lawyers get involved. The problem.

Do you go to the trouble of putting a disconnect near a motor that has no ready access to it? On an Auger 20' feet in the air. We build a support for them but it is a real PIA and expensive. Then add a control pole so everything else knows its Off. In this case each motor has a readily available PP at ground level.

Is that location considered "impracticable"?
 
Since the disconnecting means should be readily accessible, and i would say 20' in the air on the end of an auger is indeed impracticable, as it introduces safety hazards (working at heights), I would not bother putting one at this motor, as long as there is a disconnect somewhere in the circuit upstream.
 
It seems to me to meet the NEC the only requirement would be "in sight from" so the question becomes can I see the disconnect from the motor location.
Personally, I think having a disconnect at the motor is worthwhile endeavor. If one is working on the mechanical aspects of the equipment and there is a malfunction, a readily accessible disconnect would seem a godsend.
If I am going to make repairs or adjustments on the driven equipment human nature is such that I don;t want to climb down 20ft to turn off the motor so I'll take a unwarranted risk.;
 
The other option you have is to make the disconnect lockable. If the motor has its own breaker you can just put a breaker lock attachment on the panel.
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430.102 B exception
B) Motor. A disconnecting means shall be provided for a
motor in accordance with (B)(1) or (B)(2).
(1) Separate Motor Disconnect. A disconnecting means for
the motor shall be located in sight from the motor location and
the driven machinery location.
(2) Controller Disconnect. The controller disconnecting means
required in accordance with 430.102(A) shall be permitted to
serve as the disconnecting means for the motor if it is in sight
from the motor location and the driven machinery location.
Exception to (1) and (2): The disconnecting means for the motor
shall not be required under either condition (a) or condition (b),
which follow, provided that the controller disconnecting means
required in 430.102(A) is lockable in accordance with 110.25.
(a) Where such a location of the disconnecting means for
the motor is impracticable or introduces additional or
increased hazards to persons or property
Click to expand...
 
ptonsparky said:
I've used them. EXPENSIVE!!! I had repaired one or two but when I went back to the project several years after those repairs, they had all been removed.
Click to expand...

"Expensive" is the most common objection, but we do try to price the product near the price of a NEMA4X disconnect switch (not a plug). Too bad the project you saw them on didn't reach out if they were having troubles, I know personally MELTRIC tries to do everything they can to keep people happy with their expensive purchase. :D:D

Personally, I'm always here to help with MELTRIC questions or issues. Just PM me if needed.
 
Meltric_South said:
"Expensive" is the most common objection, but we do try to price the product near the price of a NEMA4X disconnect switch (not a plug). Too bad the project you saw them on didn't reach out if they were having troubles, I know personally MELTRIC tries to do everything they can to keep people happy with their expensive purchase. :D:D

Personally, I'm always here to help with MELTRIC questions or issues. Just PM me if needed.
Click to expand...
Meltric_South said:
"Expensive" is the most common objection, but we do try to price the product near the price of a NEMA4X disconnect switch (not a plug). Too bad the project you saw them on didn't reach out if they were having troubles, I know personally MELTRIC tries to do everything they can to keep people happy with their expensive purchase. :D:D

Personally, I'm always here to help with MELTRIC questions or issues. Just PM me if needed.
Click to expand...
Didn't help that this was a dry fertilizer storage facility and these cords were used on portable outside equipment. Corrosion was a killer.
 
ptonsparky said:
Then add a control pole so everything else knows its Off.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea for those rascals who are in the habit of opening the disconnect under load while the starter is still pulled in.

That can cause havoc with an interlock scenario. :)

Jap.
 
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