Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
(OP)
I work in a shop where equipment is wired from a breaker panel to a local disconnect, 480vac 30 amp, then to the unit. The location of the disconnect is on the wall behind the machine. most of the machines are spaced 2 1/2 feet off the wall. Our in house safety person says that the expectation of clearance of a local disconnect is the same as the electrical panel that feeds it. I'm under the impression that clearance standards do not apply to local disconnects. We are starting a VPP program here and an OSHA inspector will be out to evaluate our site. My question is, do I need to have the electrical panel clearance at each local disconnect. We have a great deal more on conveyor motors and lifts. Which are near or at the motor, and depending on the motor location, not always readily accessable. Thanks, Mike





RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Gotta be readily accessible and clearances are not limited to panelboards.
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Also "readily accessible" requirement is when there is a need to shut off power to service the "motor" and not necessarily for emergency stop for the machinery. So you need to clarify what you meant by not readily accessible, before you start pulling your hair out.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Come on guys, you're over engineering a bit here. The clearance issue is not for "any" electrical equipment. If it was, wouldn't a motor be "electrical equipment" then? The 36" rule has to do with having adequate clearance for anything where a door must be opened to access switches, devices, handles, disconnects etc. A Safety Disconnect Switch has the handle on the outside, the door does NOT need to be opened. Many millions of disconnect switches are mounted on the walls behind machine tools, it is totally impractical to imagine a structure in front of every drill press or grinder to maintain that 36" clearance. In fact, if a machine has serviceable motorized equipment in restricted spaces, the NEC REQUIRES a lockable disconnect inside of that that restricted space in 430.102(b).
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RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
Upshot extraction:
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
I can buy that if it's just a safety disconnect. I'd argue the other way if it was a combination device of some sort -- which turns it into a control panel if you stretch the definition a bit.
Posting the article is worth a star. It'll come in handy one day!
Good on ya and good weekend,
Goober Dave
RE: Equipment local disconnect switch clearance
You can mount the disconnect high up and install a pull chains or hook sticks to operate it and that may meet the code without requiring clearance as you are not in front of it while operating.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com