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Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Question:
Thank you for this invaluable service to the electrical trade. Could you please clarify 430-109(B). Is it required the branch circuit overcurrent device be in sight of the motor to suffice as the disconnect means or is it allowed to be out of sight or capable of being locked in the open position if out of sight?
Kelly Stockwill
A
Answer:
Hey Kelly thanks for your question and the kind words. Section 430.109 provides the types of devices that must be used as motor circuit disconnecting means. Section 430.109(B) is limited to 1/8 hp motors but does not address the disconnecting means location and there is no specific exception in 430.102. This could be a good opportunity for a Public Input to the 2020 NEC to add wording for the location especially if you have an example of a motor application that is not part of an appliance.
If the motor is part of an appliance then 422.30 has wording that allows either a disconnecting means within sight or one that is lockable as stated in 110.25.