Motor disconnect

[Crabcakes&football]

I have a MCC thats controlling a motor for a conveyor. Its a carwash and the motor is located in a trench thats below the conveyor belt. Does the MCC count as the main disconnect for the motor?

 

[tom baker]

The complete rules are in section 430.102
A disconnect is required within sight of the motor and controller. Sometimes the same disconnect can be used for both.
See Art 100 definition of within sight.

 

[Jraef]

You can use the disconnect in the MCC "In industrial installations, with written safety procedures, where conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment." (this is exception (b) of article 430.102.B).

A typical car wash would not qualify under this exception. You could TRY to get an AHJ to buy off on it, but it would be highly unlikely.

 

[tom baker]

Motor disconnecting means are a important safety requirement. In your case, probably will need a disconnect next to the motor, its does not have to have OCP. With out this disconnect, someone would have to climb out of the trench, to to the MCC, turn it off, lock it out, and then back. Much easier to have a local disconnect. Otherwise a short cut would be taken.