Open/Close method for Motor Starter Box

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sdkokx

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I am trying to figure out the proper Opening and Closing method for a motor starter box. Currently I have a 4x fiberglass enclosure on order that is hinged with latches and an option for padlocking. I have someone here telling me it is required to have a "tool" to open and close the box but I can't seem to find any indication either way in the NEC code book.

The starter box has a contactor and overload rated for 480v going to a 60hp motor with FLA of 77Amps (disconnecting means are to be provided by the installer on the line side of the Motor Starter).
 
sdkokx said:
I am trying to figure out the proper Opening and Closing method for a motor starter box. Currently I have a 4x fiberglass enclosure on order that is hinged with latches and an option for padlocking. I have someone here telling me it is required to have a "tool" to open and close the box but I can't seem to find any indication either way in the NEC code book.

The starter box has a contactor and overload rated for 480v going to a 60hp motor with FLA of 77Amps (disconnecting means are to be provided by the installer on the line side of the Motor Starter).
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You won't find it in the NEC. It may be in the NFPA79. i think it only says a tool has to be used to open it. it can close without a tool (I think).

In any case, do the latches require a tool to open them? If you put a padlock on it, is the key not a tool? Even if you put a lead seal on it, the wire cutters you would use to break the seal is a tool.
 
Sounds like you are referring to something like a disconnect with mechanically-interlocked door, where you can't open the door (without "tool") unless the OPEN/CLOSE handle is in the OPEN position...???
 
petersonra said:
You won't find it in the NEC. It may be in the NFPA79. i think it only says a tool has to be used to open it. it can close without a tool (I think).

In any case, do the latches require a tool to open them? If you put a padlock on it, is the key not a tool? Even if you put a lead seal on it, the wire cutters you would use to break the seal is a tool.
Click to expand...

I looked in NFPA79. Did no find it there.
 
Many industrial facilities have their own "internal standards" which require tools to be used to open equipment containing >240V.
These tools can be as simple as a Torx driver instead of a flat blade screw or a padlock.
 
It's in NFPA79. 6.2.3 for enclosures with disconnects, 6.2.4 for those without disconnects. Note: I have the 2007 edition.
 
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