Stay In Code - Motor Control Centers

When it comes to electrical controls in your manufacturing facility, are you aware of the National Electrical Code (NEC) 110.29 requirement?

Application

This code section applies whenever the NEC specifies that one piece of equipment needs to be “in sight from” another, meaning the disconnecting means should be readily visible to someone servicing the equipment.

Distance Limitation

“In sight” generally means you need to clearly see the disconnect; for example: visible within 50 feet of the equipment being serviced.

Example Application

If you are working on a motor, the disconnecting means for that motor must now be located “in sight” from the motor itself to be within code. Historically, many manufacturing facilities have utilized Motor Control Centers (MCC) for the sake of “lock out / tag out.” This is commonplace in large commercial and industrial buildings where MCCs are tasked to:

Control Motors: control electric motors, such as those used in pumps, fans, and air handling units
Distribute Power: distribute power to multiple circuits
Protect Motors: protect motors from overload conditions
Monitor Power: monitor the operation of electrical loads

The change in the NEC requirement dictates the MCC cannot be in an adjacent room while being the only means of lock out / tag out (which occurs frequently in many existing manufacturing environments).

Our team can provide more cost-effective alternativities to traditional MCCs, while continuing to satisfy the NEC 110.29 requirement.

If you have an existing facility, we are available to assist in bringing your current environment up to code.
If you’re developing a new manufacturing environment, we can minimize your investment, as well as save space on your shop floor, by creating a new custom motor control panel which complies with the requirements of the code.

Let’s connect to discuss how we can ensure your approach meets NEC requirements while saving your budget from unnecessary spend.

Let’s Get Connected

Stay In Code For “Lock In / Tag Out”