Motor Starter/Disconnect clearances

[KyleFowler]

What is the clearance requirements in front of a motor starter/non fused disconnect unit. Usually I try to get 36" but in this particular installation I can only manage 32" from the front of the disconnect door to some piping running on the left side of front of the disconnect . It's mostly clear in front of disconnect but not 100%. You get the 36" or greater clearance on 80% of the disconnect. The other 20% is 32 inches. You can open the door on the disconnect over 90 degrees. In my opinion there is plenty of working space but I would sure hate to fail an inspection.

I did some google searching and found varying opinions ranging from:

36" required or it fails

Or

"if it's only a non fused disconnect the code requirement is the disconnect be within sight and readily accessible. Disconnects are not the same as "Emergency Power Off" devices".

In the same room is the panel board that serves the disconnect and it does have the 36" requirement. Thank you all in advance

 

[augie47]

IMO, and I think most inspectors, it;s subject to examination while energized and required to have the clearances as dictated in 110.26 which, from your description, it does not.
Approval is up to the AHJ.

 

[Jraef]

...Or

"if it's only a non fused disconnect the code requirement is the disconnect be within sight and readily accessible. Disconnects are not the same as "Emergency Power Off" devices".

No idea whee that comes from. Equipment is equipment, but maybe the NON-FUSED aspect means it isn't "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized" ? Might be a stretch, but an AHJ might be persuaded.

In the same room is the panel board that serves the disconnect and it does have the 36" requirement. ...

I think this may be an interpretation of Exception C of 110.26:

(c) Existing Buildings. In existing buildings where electrical
equipment is being replaced, Condition 2 working clearance
shall be permitted between dead-front switchboards,
switchgear, panelboards, or motor control centers located
across the aisle from each other where conditions of maintenance
and supervision ensure that written procedures have
been adopted to prohibit equipment on both sides of the aisle
from being open at the same time and qualified persons who
are authorized will service the installation.

Note the parts I highlighted though. From your description it wouldn't apply. Sorry.

 

[KyleFowler]

So what's the right move here? There is no where to mount the motor starter and get the clearance and be within sight of the equipment it serves. This mechanical room is crazy tight

 

[Jraef]

So what's the right move here? There is no where to mount the motor starter and get the clearance and be within sight of the equipment it serves. This mechanical room is crazy tight

Put it somewhere else? Apply for a variance? Put the starter somewhere else and rely on the non-fused disconnect only aspect I mentioned above?

Just ran into a similar issue, customer wanted an MCC in a 52" wide hallway. He assumed the MCC could be 15" deep, but it has a 2000A main and VFDs, only available in 20" deep. So now he only has 32" from the wall to the face of the MCC. I'm suggesting the MCC be split up and the VFDs and Main be relocated around the corner in a storage area, but space is a huge issue wherever they go. I think the only alternative is to build an electrical room on the side of the building (or a drop-in E-House and be done with it), he says he is going to pursue requesting a variance. I don't even know if that's possible...

 

[KyleFowler]

There is no where else to go lol. Damn existing installions :rant: I'm hoping to persuade by explaining that the motor starter can be turned off easily when service is needed.

 

[ActionDave]

There is no where else to go lol. Damn existing installions :rant: I'm hoping to persuade by explaining that the motor starter can be turned off easily when service is needed.

Take a deep breath. Everybody agrees work space rules need to be adhered to in front of panels but disconnects need to be discussed with the inspector. Call your inspector and talk to him.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You could use a Meltric plug disconnect at the motor or equipment junction box to provide the required means of disconnect.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Take a deep breath. Everybody agrees work space rules need to be adhered to in front of panels but disconnects need to be discussed with the inspector. Call your inspector and talk to him.

While there is some disagreement about work space for disconnects, I don't think there is for starters.