Separate disconnects required for two small variable speed pumps?

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greenspark1

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New England
I have two 0.68HP 120V variable speed pumps, like these, on a single branch circuit. They each have an integral controller. The electrical panel is in the same room (within sight). Do I need a separate snap switch for each motor/controller, or can I just use the circuit breaker as the disconnect? 430.102 (A) says yes I need separate ones and I have yet to find an exception, but I've never seen separate disconnects in any installations and it seems like overkill for these tiny pumps. I often see 3-5 small circulator pumps on one branch circuit with no additional disconnecting means. Thanks for any feedback.
 
greenspark1 said:
I have two 0.68HP 120V variable speed pumps, like these, on a single branch circuit. They each have an integral controller. The electrical panel is in the same room (within sight). Do I need a separate snap switch for each motor/controller, or can I just use the circuit breaker as the disconnect? 430.102 (A) says yes I need separate ones and I have yet to find an exception, but I've never seen separate disconnects in any installations and it seems like overkill for these tiny pumps. I often see 3-5 small circulator pumps on one branch circuit with no additional disconnecting means. Thanks for any feedback.
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I agree it is overkill.

I think that the code requires it.
 
Are they .68 HP or .68 amps?

.68 HP (somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 hp) is getting to the point where you would only have one motor per 15 or 20 amp 120 volt circuit in the first place.

Otherwise if less then 1/8 hp 430.109(B) would allow the branch-circuit overcurrent device to be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. and doesn't mention whether it need be within sight or any other conditions.
 
kwired said:
Are they .68 HP or .68 amps?

.68 HP (somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 hp) is getting to the point where you would only have one motor per 15 or 20 amp 120 volt circuit in the first place.

Otherwise if less then 1/8 hp 430.109(B) would allow the branch-circuit overcurrent device to be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. and doesn't mention whether it need be within sight or any other conditions.
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Thanks for the replies. They are rated 0.027-0.68HP, 2.2-6A max @ 120V. If they are under 1HP, per 430.53(A), they can share a branch circuit.

Can they share a disconnecting means?
 
If you think its overkill, submit a code proposal. Its very easy to do so. Where do you draw the line in the sand? 1/2 hp? 1/4 hp?
 
greenspark1 said:
Thanks for the replies. They are rated 0.027-0.68HP, 2.2-6A max @ 120V. If they are under 1HP, per 430.53(A), they can share a branch circuit.

Can they share a disconnecting means?
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What about using a cord and plug connection? Sometimes it's easier to simply install a duplex receptacle, then put a cord on each pump and plug them in
 
James L said:
What about using a cord and plug connection? Sometimes it's easier to simply install a duplex receptacle, then put a cord on each pump and plug them in
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It needs to comply with 400.7 and 400.8. Cord and plug is allowed to be a disconnecting means, but the item must still be permitted to be cord and plug connected.
 
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