10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

DISCONNECTING MEANS FOR MOTOR AND AIR-

CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

T
Reading Time: 9 minutes

he purpose of electrical codes is practical safe guarding of persons and

property from the hazards associated with electricity. Numerous
prescriptive requirements address safety from the minimum standpoint. Codes and
standards are the minimum rules for electrical safety, so one can easily surmise
that for electrical safety one must do at least what is required by the codes.

Many rules in the codes require installation of protective devices and equipment to
be in place for the user and occupant long after the final electrical inspection and
certificate of occupancy (C of O) is issued. One type of protective equipment for use
by the occupant and by service personnel is the disconnecting means required for
electric motors and air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment. There are also
rules for service disconnects, disconnects for appliances, electric signs, and other
equipment throughout electrical codes. This article takes a close look at the
minimum requirements for locations of safety disconnects for motors and air-
conditioning equipment as specified in NEC Articles 430 and 440.

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 1/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

Photo 1

The primary purpose of the Code is safety. Compliance with minimum Code rules
will generally result in an electrical installation that is essentially safe and free
from hazards to persons and property. More specific to motors and air-
conditioning equipment, the Code requires a necessary safety disconnecting device
for workers and building occupants to remove the electrical power during service
operations and also to be able to disconnect the equipment in emergency
conditions, such as electrical fires or explosions associated with the equipment.
With electrical events or problems, such as explosions or mechanical failures, the
natural reaction is to disconnect the power as soon as possible. The disconnecting
means required for motors and equipment falling under the scope of Articles 430

and 440 are safety disconnects. In the interest of safety for anyone who may need
to react swiftly to adverse conditions or situations, electrical design and

installation should not take the location of disconnects lightly. In the electrical
field it is vital that safety be first priority, always.

Disconnect Locations for Motor Controllers

Figure 1

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 2/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

Article 430 includes the minimum requirements for electrical motors. Provisions
for locations of motor disconnects are included in 430.102. There are two

components of Section 430.102, the controller in 430.102(A) and the motor in

430.102(B). Let’s look at the controller first. Section 430.102(A) requires a

disconnect in sight from the controller and it must disconnect to be located in

sight from the controller and it shall disconnect the controller from the source. A

closer look at the definition of the term in sight from is in order here; by definition,
it means that one component can be seen from the other and the distance between

must not exceed 15 m (50 ft). The disconnecting means must be visible from the

motor and equipment. Visible through a glass partition or window does not meet
the requirements of this section (see figure 1).

Section 430.81 indicates clearly that the controller is the device that starts and
stops the motor, by making nd breaking the motor-circuit current. An example of a

controller is a combination magnetic motor starter. Controllers require servicing

from time to time and the required disconnect is a means of safety for the worker

performing those service operations. The disconnect also serves to allow

compliance with the general provisions in OSHA 1910.333, one of which requires

electrical equipment to be worked on while de-energized. Of course during some

troubleshooting and testing procedures, the equipment will be required to be

worked while energized, and the qualified service person then must wear the
appropriate personal protective equipment to provide a reasonable level of

protection should an arc flash or arc blast event occur (see OSHA 1910.335 for
additional information about personal protective equipment). Some requirements

for disconnecting means locations in the OSHA Standards also are similar to what

is required in NEC 430.102 and 440.14 (see OSHA 1910.333) for information about
lockout and tagging procedures for safety). This article focuses primarily on the

rules of the NEC, but compliance with installation rules found in the Code often

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 3/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

results in conformance to OSHA provisions also. Knowledge of all possible

applicable standards results in increased safety relative to the electrical

installation and also assists with worker safety.

The disconnect ahead of the controller allows safe replacement of overloads, fuses,

worn contacts, and so forth. Most individual combination magnetic motor starters

or starters that are part of a motor control center include both the controller and
the disconnect within the same enclosure. Compliance with 430.102(A) is inherent

to these types of combination controllers that include both the disconnect and the

controller as an assembly. Disconnects and motor controllers can also be installed

as individual units and must be located with respect to the provisions of

430.102(A).

Disconnect for Motor(s) and Driven Machinery

Figure 2

Requirements for the motor and driven machinery disconnect(s) are found in

430.102(B), which stipulates that the disconnecting means to be located within

sight from the motor and driven machinery location (see photo 1). The disconnect

that is provided to meet the requirements of 430.102(A) can also serve as the
disconnect for the motor if it is located within sight from and not at a distance

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 4/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

greater than 15 m (50 ft) from the motor and equipment. At least one of these

disconnects is required to be readily accessible in accordance with 430.107 (see

figure 2).

This disconnect is a safety device and provides reasonable protection for

personnel that may be servicing the motor or the equipment driven by the motor.

Service personnel are able to visually monitor the safety disconnect when it is
located in accordance within the limits of the in-sight-from rule.

Two exceptions permit the motor disconnect required in 430.102(B) to be located

out of sight from the motor and driven machinery location. These provisions are
worth a closer look as this alternative is limited and has become even more

restrictive by recent changes to NEC 2002.

The first exception allows the disconnect to be located remote (out of sight) from

the motor and equipment in installations or systems where locating the disconnect

in sight from the motor is impracticable or introduces additional increased hazards

to persons or property. Although this is generally in the judgment of the AHJ, the
revision in this section gives a clearer indication of what is intended by the rule in

the first place. Some examples are also provided of situations where the location

would be impracticable. This information is helpful to designers as well as

installers.

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 5/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

Figure 3

The second exception to this disconnect rule is intended to be applied to industrial

installations under controlled conditions: (1) that qualified persons service the
installation, and (2) written safety procedures are in place. Another fine print note

provides guidance and direction to NFPA 70 E (Standard for Electrical Safety

Requirements for Employee Workplaces), which includes information about

acceptable lockout/tag out procedures. If the installation can meet the restricted
conditions set forth in this exception, the disconnects can be remotely located but

must be individually capable of being locked in the open position. The provisions

for the locking means must be permanently installed on or at the switch or circuit

breaker used as the disconnecting means. Portable types of lockout devices are no
longer acceptable under this provision (see figure 3).

Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Disconnecting Means

Photo 2

Requirements for air-conditioning equipment disconnecting means are found in

440.14 and 440.13. The requirements and reasons for the disconnects at air-

conditioning and refrigeration equipment are basically the same. The decision

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 6/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

whether or not to use the rules in Article 440 rather than Article 430 is related to

the type of motor employed within the equipment.

Basically, if the motor or equipment incorporates a hermetic refrigerant motor

compressor, then the rules in 440.14 apply. Both types of motors are used with air-
conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems, so it is important to

establish which Code article and rules apply for a given installation (see photos 2
and 3).

Photo 3

If the air-conditioning equipment incorporates or is driven by a standard motor,

meaning a motor that is not hermetically sealed, then the rules in 430.102 have to
be applied. It is helpful to visit the definitions in 440.2 for additional clarification
on hermetic refrigerant motor compressors. Section 440.3(A) clearly indicates that

if the equipment does not have a hermetic refrigerant motor compressor, then 440
does not apply and reference is made back to Articles 422, 424, or 430 as
applicable. An example of refrigeration equipment falling under the scope of

Article 430 is the typical fan coil unit installed in a walk-in refrigerator or freezer.
The disconnecting means would need to be provided for such equipment in

accordance with 430.102 (see photo 4).

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 7/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

Photo 4

If the air-conditioning or refrigeration unit falls under the scope of Article 440, the
disconnecting means location requirements of 440.13 or 440.14 would apply.

Cord and Plugs as Disconnects

Section 440.13 includes the disconnect provision for room air-conditioners and

similar utilization equipment where cord and plug connection can serve as the
required means of disconnect. Section 440.63 places a within-sight-from
requirement for the disconnecting means for room air-conditioners, and also

requires it to be readily accessible from the unit. Section 440.64 also places length
limitations on cords of room air-conditioners that are related to the voltage rating

of the unit (see figure 4). For 120-volt room air-conditioners, the length of cord
must not be longer than 3.0 m (10 ft); and for 208- or 240-volt rated room air-
conditioners, the length of cord is limited to not longer than 1.8 m (6 ft).

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 8/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

Figure 4

Section 440.14 includes the disconnect location requirements for air-conditioning

and refrigeration equipment in types other than those that are cord- and plug-

connected.

The requirements are relatively straight-forward and simple. The disconnecting

means must be located within sight from and also readily accessible from the
equipment it supplies (see figure 5). Readily accessible is defined in Article 100 as
“Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without

requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove

obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.”

Figure 5

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 9/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

It should be clarified that the wording in 440.14 requires ready access from the

equipment. This is slightly different and more restrictive than the rules in 430.102.
The disconnect is permitted to be located adjacent to the equipment. Generally,
disconnect switches have a height limit of not greater than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above

the floor or working platform as indicated in 404.8(A). Exception 2 to 404.8(A)

relaxes this requirement and allows greater heights to meet the provisions of
440.14 for these types of equipment. Examples of applications using the exception

to the height limitations are heat pumps installed in hollow spaces above
suspended ceilings. The disconnect is permitted to be installed on or within the

equipment; and where it is installed on the equipment, it must not obstruct access
panels that are removable for servicing (see photo 5).

Photo 5

Two alternatives are allowed by exception to this basic rule in 440.14. One
exception refers to the cord- and plug-connected equipment as specified in 440.13,

and the other exception is applicable to controlled conditions in industrial

applications. In order to qualify for the alternatives in the exception, the
refrigerating or air-conditioning equipment must be essential to an industrial

process in a facility that includes conditions of maintenance, and the supervision

available to ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment. In these

cases, a disconnecting means within sight from the equipment shall not be
https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 10/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

required. Where the disconnecting means normally required by 440.14 is located

remotely from the equipment in accordance with the provisions of the exception, it

must capable of being locked in the open position (see figure 6).

Summary

Figure 6

It is best in electrical design to start with the rules and not the exceptions. It
seems as though over several code cycles, the alternatives allowed by the

exception to the required disconnecting means for motors and air-conditioning

equipment have been incorporated into design. These disconnects ensure safety
for personnel and property, and should not be eliminated for reasons other than

those specifically included by the exception to the main rule. Some requirements
in the OSHA Standards also are similar to what is required in NEC 430.102 and

440.14 [see OSHA 1910.333 for additional information]. Always consult the local
AHJ if there are any doubts or if there are any local codes or regulations that
require clarification.

R E L AT E D S T O R I E S

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 11/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

THE 6-DISCONNECT RULE ALTERNATING CURRENT DISCONNECT

MARCH 25, 2020
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC OPERATION
WITHIN CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 4, 2017

DISPENSER DISCONNECTS – CRITICAL SAFETY NET

THAT IS OVERLOOKED?
NOVEMBER 16, 2008

VISIBLE ISOLATION OF HIGH VOLTAGE

DISCONNECTING MEANS
M AY 9 , 2 0 1 7

Y O U M AY A L S O L I K E

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 12/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

ANATOMY OF A HIGH-RISE INSTALLATION (2020)

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

APPLICATION MODELS FOR THE POWER DISTRIBUTION OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

GFCI PROTECTION AT AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

PRACTICAL CHALLENGES WHEN MODELING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS

FOR POWER STUDIES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

READ NEXT

CLASSIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

J U LY 1 , 2 0 2 1

EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER FOR COMMERCIAL

OCCUPANCIES
J U LY 1 , 2 0 2 1

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 13/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY BY WAY OF INITIATING

DEVICES
M AY 1 , 2 0 2 1

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELECTING AN ARC-FLASH RELAY

M AY 1 , 2 0 2 1

MITIGATING ARC FLASH HAZARDS

M AY 1 , 2 0 2 1

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 14/15
10/10/21, 8:04 PM Disconnecting Means for Motor and Air-conditioning Equipment - IAEI Magazine

MORE 


PREVIOUS STORY

Nonincendive Equipment for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations


NEXT STORY

The Truth About AFCIs (Part 1)

https://iaeimagazine.org/features/disconnecting-means-for-motor-and-air-conditioning-equipment/ 15/15