Disconnecting a gate motor

[Leecatt]

Elsewhere in this forum I made a statement that even though a gate motor is fed from a removable plug-top in the garage it should still be controlled from a disconnection device within 1.5 meters from it. After researching the regulations for answers to another question I have come across some information which I believe proves me wrong.

6.9.3 Disconnecting devices for equipment Amdt 3
6.9.3.1 An appliance or equipment that is not supplied from a
socket-outlet, including equipment automatically or remote controlled,
shall be capable of being disconnected from the supply by an easily
accessible switch-disconnector. The disconnector shall be mounted (if
not specified elsewhere in this part of SANS 10142 (SABS 0142), but
excluding luminaire circuits) (see also 6.16.1.4) Amdt 1
a) within arm's reach from the terminals of the appliance, or
b) in a distribution board, if the device is capable of being locked in the
open position.

NOTE 3 The removal of a plug from a socket-outlet is a means of safe disconnection.

[Just Gone]

Yep within arms distance from the device.

[murdock]

and this just proves how would be common sense...not to use a socket outlet in the garage because unless you cut the plug off while working on the circuit..anyone could plug it back in.

how many electrician carry a locking devise for circuit breakers?

[Leecatt]

and this just proves how would be common sense...not to use a socket outlet in the garage because unless you cut the plug off while working on the circuit..anyone could plug it back in.

how many electrician carry a locking devise for circuit breakers?

Whilst I do agree with what you are saying my emphasis is on interpreting the regulations as they stand and not trying to change them. I work with these regs every day of my life and I would like to understand them completely 100%

You see I do not install these devices at all but they do come into my sights when issuing a COC.
The information I am getting from this part of SANS is that you may use the plug in the garage as disconnecting device.
The cable to the motor cannot be anything other than Norsk, flat twin and earth or GP wire in a conjute piping, whether it plugs in or not and Cabtyre and "Speaker cable" (ripcord) are out.
The requirement for an isolator at the gate for a circuit that is fed from a plugtop does not exist.

[bergie]

the key word is "lockable" if not within arms reach . a socket outlet wouldnt be lockable.

[murdock]

and this just proves how would be common sense...not to use a socket outlet in the garage because unless you cut the plug off while working on the circuit..anyone could plug it back in.

how many electrician carry a locking devise for circuit breakers?

or should i say how many "electricians" know what a circuit breaker lockout looks like.

[Leecatt]

the key word is "lockable" if not within arms reach . a socket outlet wouldnt be lockable.

Bergie I agree with both you and Murdoc on this, it just doesnt make me feel safe pulling a plug I cannot see.
As far as I can see the regs do not require you to do anything other than that though.
Does anyone else know of any passage I may have missed?

[AndyD]

how many electrician carry a locking devise for circuit breakers?

I have a kit with several different MCB and MCCB lockout devices aswell as colour coded padlocks and signage, there's one on each of our vehicles as well. They don't cost a fortune and they're an HSE requirement on many sites nowadays.

There are lockout covers you can fit on plugs and padlock to prevent them being plugged in again so a plug can be considered a lockable disconnect if the right device is used.

[Dave A]

Bergie I agree with both you and Murdoc on this, it just doesnt make me feel safe pulling a plug I cannot see.
As far as I can see the regs do not require you to do anything other than that though.
Does anyone else know of any passage I may have missed?

6.16.5.1.5 b) visible from the motor, or

If you're relying on a plugtop disconnector in the garage, options a, c and d probably won't apply in most instances.

Sidenote: The "housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board" does provide an interesting option to bring existing installations up to code.

[murdock]

There are lockout covers you can fit on plugs and padlock to prevent them being plugged in again so a plug can be considered a lockable disconnect if the right device is used.

please post a pic or a link...this is something i dont have or have i ever seen...you learn something new everyday.

[Just Gone]

Surely lockable defeats the objective of being able to isolate the motor quickly?

[murdock]

so dave when do you write your installation rules...part of your bucket list you wont need to ask your electrical guys for advice

[Dave A]

There are lockout covers you can fit on plugs and padlock to prevent them being plugged in again so a plug can be considered a lockable disconnect if the right device is used.

I'd question whether standard plugpoints are designed as "lockable" though.

[Dave A]

so dave when do you write your installation rules...part of your bucket list you wont need to ask your electrical guys for advice

Not happening - that's not where the company needs me

I just happened to have sat in on the meeting where we thrashed this gate motor story, so I'm a little more brushed up on the issues than normal.

[Justloadit]

Surely lockable defeats the objective of being able to isolate the motor quickly?

Lockable in this case means once the plug top is removed from the socket disabling power to the circuit on the plug, some device is installed on the plug socket which does not sallow the plug top to be plugged in again. Part of safety for when an electrician is working on the circuit.