Q. What are the NEC rules for the disconnecting means of appliances?
See the answer below.
Underline text indicates a 2020 Code change.
A. Each appliance must have a means that disconnects simultaneously all ungrounded circuit conductors [Sec. 422.30].
Permanently Connected Appliance Disconnects [Sec. 422.31]
(A) Appliances Rated at Not Over 300VA or 1/8 Horsepower. For 300VA or 1/8 horsepower or less appliances, a circuit breaker located within sight from the appliance, or is lockable with provisions for locking to remain in place whether the lock is installed or not in accordance with Sec. 110.25, can serve as the disconnect means.
(B) Appliances Rated Over 300VA. For appliances rated over 300VA, a switch or circuit breaker located within sight of the appliance, or is lockable with provisions for locking to remain in place whether the lock is installed or not in accordance with Sec. 110.25, can serve as the disconnect means. (Figure)
According to Art. 100, “Within Sight” means that it’s visible and not more than 50 ft from one to the other.
(C) Motor‑Operated Appliances Rated Over 1/8 Horsepower. For motor‑operated appliances rated over 1/8 horsepower, the disconnect must be located within sight from the motor‑operated appliance or be lockable with provisions for locking to remain in place whether the lock is installed or not in accordance with Sec. 110.25.
Exception: An appliance containing a unit switch that complies with Sec. 422.34.
Cord-and-Plug-Connected or Attachment Fitting–Connected Disconnects
(A) Attachment Plug and Attachment Fitting. Cord‑and‑plug or attachment fitting‑connected appliances can serve as the disconnecting means [Sec. 422.33].
(B) Cord‑and‑Plug‑Connected Ranges. A plug and receptacle of a cord‑and‑plug‑connected household electric range accessible from the front of the range by the removal of a drawer meets the disconnecting means requirements of Sec. 422.33(A).
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