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Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Question:
I watched 2 guys working on a pump that was powered from an MCC two flights down. The first three times they went down and put on locks before working on the pump, after that it was "Don't hit the start button". Should there have been a local disconnect at the pump for lock out?
Michael Casey
A
Answer:
Hey Michael thanks for your question. Maybe, depending on when the pump motor was installed and where it is located. Why didn't you stop them from doing a dangerous task? What about the site-specific lockout procedures? The rules for locating motor disconnecting means changed in the 2002 NEC after many comments and lots of discussion. Even today, in industrial installations with written safety procedures that allow only qualified persons to service the equipment, a disconnecting means is not required in sight of the motor - if the controller disconnecting means is lockable as stated in 430.102(B) Exception(b). But having one there makes it easier for the worker to lock out the equipment.