Mounting starter

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BLUE90

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This might be a dumb question, but here it goes.

I have and existing starter for a stairwell pressurization fan, that controls (2) fans, I am going to install a new starter on one of the fans, so that they will each have thier own starter. The existing one is mounted on the wall above the ceiling.

My question is, can I mount the new one in the ceiling? I am being told that I cant because of 110.26. But it is easily accessable off a ladder. Can someone please advise.

Thanks
 
Is this a starter/disconnect combo or if not where will the disconnect be located?

Roger
 
A motor and controller typically require two disconnects. One must be accessible, the other readily accessible. There was a significant change to the 2002 NEC on motor-controller disconnects. Review section 420.102 (A) and (B), and the definitions for accessible in Art 100
 
Its not a dumb question at all.

I don't see anything wrong with mounting the starter next to the motor. There would probably be a separate branch circuit breaker in a panel that would meet the "readily accessible" requirement for a disconnect.

Others may say a starter must be worked on or inspected while hot, and therefore must meet the working space requirements. I guess my response to that would be that the starter isn't any more likely to need service while hot than the motor itself. So if the starter can't be above the ceiling, the motor can't either.
 
IMO, the Disconect/Starter can be located above the ceiling if there is room and access to it, which is the way I understand (maybe incorrectly) is the case per your discription.

404.8 Accessibility and Grouping

(A) Location All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed such that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform.

Exception No. 1: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor.

Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be located higher than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) and to be accessible by portable means.
Click to expand...

Roger
 
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