Location For Disconnect Switch

[mike0w]

On a current project we have exhaust fans located above a lay-in ceiling at the permitter of the building at different locations on the 5th-8th floors the feeders are from 2 MCC's some from the 3rd floor MCC and some from the 8th floor MCC. here is the question we would like to mount a N.F. disconnect switch at the fan for convenience purposes when they need to work on the fan they can turn the disconnect off to de-energize the circuit, can you locate this disconnect above a lay-in ceiling adjacent to the equipment? I tried looking in different spots of the 2005 NEC with no luck. Thanks for the help.

 

[augie47]

I believe 404.8 will address this for you. IMO such an installation would be Code compliant

 

[infinity]

I agree with Augie. The disconnect switch can be adjacent to the equipment it serves.

 

[jwelectric]

see 430.102(B)

(B) Motor A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location.

 

[izak]

doesnt a disconnect have to be 'readily accessible' per 430.107?

readily accessible would be... not above a lay in ceiling wouldnt it?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

izak,
430.107 only requires one of the disconnects to be readily accessible. The one at the MCC would be in compliance with this rule. The rule pointed out by Augie in an earlier post permits the motor disconnect to be in a location that is not readily accessible.
Don

 

[infinity]

Here is 404.8 as Don and Augie mentioned:

404.8 Accessibility and Grouping.
(A) Location. All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed such that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform.
Exception No. 1: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor.
Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be located higher than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) and to be accessible by portable means.
Exception No. 3: Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights