well well well pump disconnection means?

[ritelec]

Where is it said that it's permissible to put the disconnection means for a well pump motor in a basement inside a house when the actually motor can be outside a hundred or more feet away ?

Thank you.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yes but you need to use a locking switch cover. Something similar to this

 

[iwire]

Not so specific but IMO this is it.

430.102 Location.

(B) Motor. A disconnecting means shall be provided for a
motor in accordance with (B)(1) or (B)(2).

(1) Separate Motor Disconnect. A disconnecting means
for the motor shall be located in sight from the motor location
and the driven machinery location.


Exception to (1) and (2): The disconnecting means for the
motor shall not be required under either condition (a) or
condition (b), provided the controller disconnecting
means required in accordance with 430.102(A) is individually
capable of being locked in the open position.

The provision for locking or adding a lock to the controller
disconnecting means shall be installed on or at
the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting
means and shall remain in place with or without the lock
installed.

(a) Where such a location of the disconnecting means
for the motor is impracticable or introduces additional or
increased hazards to persons or property

 

[iwire]

Yes but you need to use a locking switch cover. Something similar to this

:?:?:huh:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

:?:?:huh:

If you have a question then ask it. We use dp switches at the well pump (pressure switch not pump) and then use these covers. The lock will keep the switch in the off position. You can also use a wp disconnect if it is lockable

 

[kwired]

I agree 430.102(B)(1)(a) that Bob pointed out usually applies here - especially for the submersible type pumps.

The disconnect required inside is usually required disconnect for the controller and really depends if you are calling it a motor disconnect as well if it is required to be lockable. Otherwise the branch circuit device would need to have provisions for a lock, or the branch circuit device could serve as disconnect for both if within sight of the motor controller - which is often a pressure actuated switch.

 

[iwire]

If you have a question then ask it.

OK.

We use dp switches at the well pump and then use these covers.

I assume the OP is talking about a submersible well pump. (He says disconnect in basement with the pump a hundred feet away)


Perhaps you are assuming an exposed pump?


The OP was asking about not using a switch at the pump. I have never seen anyone place a switch at a submersible pump.

In my opinion the code section with the exception I posted allows us to forgo placing a motor disconnecting means at the motor.

Of course you will need a locking means at the controller disconnect and in that case that switch cover may be handy.

 

[kwired]

The disconnect is "impracticable" at/near most submersible well pumps as the pump is often 100+ feet below grade in a 4 inch casing, would need to be in a submersible rated enclosure, and you would need someone only 4 inches or less wide to shimmy down the well casing to operate it. Then you still need to disconnect the conductors from the supply anyway before you can pull the pump/motor out of the casing to do any work on it.

 

[iwire]

The disconnect is "impracticable" at/near most submersible well pumps as the pump is often 100+ feet below grade in a 4 inch casing, would need to be in a submersible rated enclosure, and you would need someone only 4 inches or less wide to shimmy down the well casing to operate it. Then you still need to disconnect the conductors from the supply anyway before you can pull the pump/motor out of the casing to do any work on it.

Not surprisingly I agree.

I am just surprised the code does not require the motor disconnecting means to be as close to the motor as practicable instead of defaulting to the controller disconnect. In the case of a submersible pump right at the top of the well casing would be logical even if an eyesore.

 

[kwired]

Not surprisingly I agree.

I am just surprised the code does not require the motor disconnecting means to be as close to the motor as practicable instead of defaulting to the controller disconnect. In the case of a submersible pump right at the top of the well casing would be logical even if an eyesore.

I'm a little surprised they don't require a disconnect near the top of well casing myself, but I do get asked why I put a disconnect (often I use the pull out type commonly used for AC units as they cost about same or even less then a two pole snap switch) next to the pressure switch sometimes when it is in the house and the pump is outside somewhere. If pressure switch is within sight of the branch circuit OCPD, I just install a padlock attachment to the breaker.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Bob the holding tank is generally under the house with the tank. We install a dp switch to the pressure switch ( a controller) and nothing at the well. If the tank is at the well we do the same only we do not use a lockable cover.

Years ago I had an inspector make me install a 3pole switch at the well since it was a 3 wire pump. I didn't know better so I did it. Everywhere else we do it as I explained above. I have not seen an above ground pump but once in years and it was existing

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Bob the holding tank is generally under the house with the tank. We install a dp switch to the pressure switch ( a controller) and nothing at the well. If the tank is at the well we do the same only we do not use a lockable cover.

Years ago I had an inspector make me install a 3pole switch at the well since it was a 3 wire pump. I didn't know better so I did it. Everywhere else we do it as I explained above. I have not seen an above ground pump but once in years and it was existing

Sorry I meant at the pressure switch not the well pump-- my bad

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It seems like you were questioning the switch plate not the well pump as I wrote since that was after your post

 

[ritelec]

Thank you gentlemen