Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: beanland, Location: Vancouver, WA
Asked on: Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:32 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:12 am EDT
Question: Question arose today: is a motor disconnecting means required per 430.102 at an airport rotating beacon? The beacon is lights with a motor and a heater; it really is an appliance because it is a manufactured assembly. Since the beacon is installed on the top of a building or tower, it is not in sight of the circuit breaker providing power. Since there is a motor in this appliance, is a disconnecting means at the beacon required? I hold that none is required because it is not a motor, it is an appliance (with a motor and other stuff). If a disconnecting means is required, any reason I cannot use the allowed exception and use a circuit breaker lock?I really don't care if it might be "nice" or "a good idea" to have a convenient disconnecting means, is it required by NEC?
Motor Disconnecting Means
According to NEC 430.102, a disconnecting means shall be provided within sight of each motor. This means that the disconnecting means must be located at a point where the motor can be seen from the location where the disconnecting means is operated.
Beacon as an Appliance
While the beacon may contain a motor, it is an appliance because it is a manufactured assembly that is not intended to be operated alone. As such, it is not subject to the same requirements as a motor.
Exception to Sight Line
NEC 430.102(B) provides an exception to the sight line requirement for appliances. The exception states that the disconnecting means for an appliance does not have to be within sight if it is controlled by a readily accessible disconnecting means located in sight of the appliance.
Circuit Breaker Lock
A circuit breaker lock can be used to provide a disconnecting means for an appliance, provided that the circuit breaker is located in sight of the appliance.
Conclusion
Based on the above, a disconnecting means is not required at the beacon per NEC 430.102 because it is an appliance. However, if a disconnecting means is desired, a circuit breaker lock can be used provided that the circuit breaker is located in sight of the appliance. Flag for review