X-Ray Machine Emergency Disconnect Switch

[Sparky2791]

I am working on a project for a client who will be installing a new X-Ray machine. The manufacturers installation drawings call for an emergency shut off station in the control room to shut off the power to the machine where required by state and local codes. This is in Pennsylvania where the 2009 IBC is used along with the local municipality using the 2011 NEC. It is simple enough to place a shunt trip operator on the circuit breaker feeding the machine and with the shunt trip for operation by a mushroom push button switch however the client does not want it installed unless it is required. I searched the IBC & NEC Articles 517 & 660 but found no reference to this as a requirement. Does anyone know of any codes which would require this?

 

[roger]

These requirements are usually at local and state levels, you should contact the regulating agency in Pa.

Roger

 

[steve66]

We had a local inspector who (IMO) always misinterpreted 517.72(B) as requiring a disconnect right at the control location (operators station). A shunt trip wouldn't do either, it had to be an actual disconnect.

Readily accessible only means the operator needs to be able to easily access the disconnect if they need to shut the machine off to service it or for something similar. If you look at article 100, a readily accessible location could be down the hall, and behind a locked door, as long as the operator has the key. Examples of places the disconnect cannot be would include in the ceiling, where a ladder would be required to reach it, or behind a locked door the operator doesn't have a key for.

Our local inspector always thought the reason for the disconnect was in case the xray machine went haywire, and wouldn't shut off. In my opinion, that's just not going to happen. The company making the xray machine doesn't want to be sued, and I think they would be obviously negligent if a machine ever did that.

In my opinion, the only reason for the disconnect required in 517.72(B) is for maintenance use, and there is usually one that complies right in the xray room.

This is a wild guess on my part, but I'll bet the only reason for the note on the installation drawings is due to the number of inspectors that have mis-interperted this requirement.

 

[mgookin]

I am working on a project for a client who will be installing a new X-Ray machine. The manufacturers installation drawings call for an emergency shut off station in the control room to shut off the power to the machine where required by state and local codes. This is in Pennsylvania where the 2009 IBC is used along with the local municipality using the 2011 NEC. It is simple enough to place a shunt trip operator on the circuit breaker feeding the machine and with the shunt trip for operation by a mushroom push button switch however the client does not want it installed unless it is required. I searched the IBC & NEC Articles 517 & 660 but found no reference to this as a requirement. Does anyone know of any codes which would require this?

In Florida we have AHCA (pronounced ack-uh) Agency for Health Care Administration. They take jurisdiction over things like this. You likely have a similar agency in your state; check with them.

 

[iwire]

Just thinking out loud here. X-Ray machine is a very broad term but I picture a large modern machine with self propeled patient tables and motorized equipment moving in very close proximity to a likely incapacitated person. It seems an emergency stop or disconnect would be appropriate. But I don't work on this stuff so I may be way off base.