422.31(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower.

This commercial bread mixer is an example of a motor operated appliance rated over 1/8 HP.
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This commercial bread mixer is an example of a motor operated appliance rated over 1/8 HP.

Code Change Summary: Revised code language clarifies the rules on disconnecting motor-operated appliances rated over 1/8 HP.

This code section is all about disconnecting a permanently connected, motor-operated appliance rated over 1/8 HP. The term “permanently connected” is not defined in the NEC® but is commonly used when referring to hard-wired configurations.

Permanently connected, motor operated appliances can include things like commercial or industrial clothes washers and dryers, large bread mixers and some hard-wired dishwashers which include a pump to circulate water.

The previous code section addressed most types of motor-operated appliances, over 1/8 HP that were supplied by a branch circuit breaker or switch but left out the motor-operated appliance without a unit switch, that is located out of sight of its branch circuit protection device.

The revised code language makes it clear that even if the branch circuit protection device is not within sight of the appliance, there must be some kind of disconnecting means installed within sight of the appliance.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code Language:

422.31(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower. For permanently connected motor-operated appliances with motors rated over 1⁄8 horse power, the branch circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance. The disconnecting means shall comply with 430.109 and 430.110.

2014 Code Language:

422.31(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower. The disconnecting means shall comply with 430.109 and 430.110. For permanently connected motor-operated appliances with motors rated over 1⁄8 hp, the disconnecting means shall meet 422.31(C)(1) or (2).

(1) The branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance.

(2) The disconnecting means shall be installed within sight of the appliance.

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422.31(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of a motor-operated appliance rated ¼ HP?

A: It must have a circuit breaker located within sight of the appliance.
B: It must have a fused disconnect switch located within sight of the appliance.
C: If the branch circuit protection device is NOT within sight of the appliance, there must be an additional disconnecting means within sight of the appliance.
D: The appliance disconnecting means is NOT required to be within sight of the appliance if it is lockable in the closed position.
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