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Thursday, March 26, 2020
Question:
Greetings Code People, I have a question about a motor disconnecting means. Section 430.102(B)(1) requires a disconnecting means be installed in sight from the motor and driven machinery location. If the motor is within 50 feet of a motor control center that controls it, and there is a glass partition on front or the motor control center, but the motor is 30 feet from the MCC, but clearly visible through the glass, does the installation meet the minimum requirements in the NEC. Some here say no, others say yes. Can you weigh in on this please? P.S. Really enjoy the questions and responses every day.
Sam Thompson
A
Answer:
Hi Sam, thanks for participating and for the nice comment. The short answer here is yes, the installation as described in the question would meet the NEC rules about locations of disconnects for motors. The distance is only 30 feet between the motor and the MCC and the motor can be seen from the MCC through the glass. The definition of the term "in sight from" provides the clarification needed. The Code is the minimum, meaning one must do at least that much. Note that 430.102(B)(1) does not use the term "readily accessible." Installations such as the one described may require additional ingenuity to help address any additional safety concerns for workers servicing the motor in this situation.