Disconnecting a gate motor

[PaulG]

6.16.5.1.5 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance, for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is:

a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

[PaulG]

I read that the below means that a fixed appliance (such as a garage door motor) if supplied by a socket outlet, must only supply that 1 fixed appliance. But have had others disagree that this is not the case. How is this interpreted by the guys in the field?

6.16.1.6 A socket-outlet shall supply only one fixed appliance. The use of flexible cords of length exceeding 3 m is not recommended. The reason for this recommendation is an endeavour to ensure operation of the overcurrent protective device. (But see also 6.14.1.4 for luminaires.)

[Dave A]

I should think the part to emphasise here is fixed appliance.

[HR Solutions]

6.16.5.1.5 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance, for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is:

a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

Run a 2.5mm norse cable from your DB board to a Plugpoint within a waterproof box next to your motor - you can then "plug" in your motor as well as any lights with day night sensors you may want to connect .

[PaulG]

Run a 2.5mm norse cable from your DB board to a Plugpoint within a waterproof box next to your motor - you can then "plug" in your motor as well as any lights with day night sensors you may want to connect .

Is this acceptable since you would then be supplying 2 fixed appliances from the socket outlet (motor & light)?

[HR Solutions]

Is this acceptable since you would then be supplying 2 fixed appliances from the socket outlet (motor & light)?

It's a 2.5 cable - why not ?

[Sparks]

No problem with a Duo Socket Outlet. Unless you supply the light from the motor itself. As long as you don't force 2 cables into a single plugtop.

[PaulG]

It's a 2.5 cable - why not ?

I am asking due to this in SANS 10142:

6.16.1.6 A socket-outlet shall supply only one fixed appliance. The use of flexible cords of length exceeding 3 m is not recommended. The reason for this recommendation is an endeavour to ensure operation of the overcurrent protective device.

[Dave A]

Unless you supply the light from the motor itself.

That opens a can of worms if the light isn't part of the gate motor fixed appliance, I should think.

[ACEsterhuizen]

For cbi breakers this works ok.....but its flimsy and not idiot proof

[Sparks]

There is a tendency to strip cable sheaths and connect two devices to a single plugtop. This is not acceptable, even though it is "plugged in" A Duo Socket Outlet solves that problem. Connecting the lights from the gate motor is acceptable when catered for on the unit. It can be connected with a permanent supply or so that it only comes on when the gate is operated, sometimes with a delay before switching off or a combination of the two. All security features built in by the manufacturers. Provided the installation regs and minimum requirements have been met, it is acceptable and can be certified. An Isolator(socket outlet serving as an isolator) is there to ensure safe working conditions when repair is required. It must however not disrupt the supply to the rest of the installation. Bottom line- all electrical work must be done by an accredited electrician or under his direct supervision. That does not mean him sitting in an office and sending two sowetans/zimbabweans to the other side of town, unless they are accredited.

[joshthejew]

6.16.5.1.5 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance, for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is:

a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

I have seen a suspicious installation where this just nearly sounds like its legal once you try find loopholes around that point.
On most gate motors, there is a green terminal block for the live, neutral and earth. Now with a double pole isolator in the db, the green terminals are a plug that if you pull them out, isolates the motor, right? yet that terminal block is not easily accessible. It is also housed in a lockable enclosure(gate motor box) other than a DB. I don't know if anyone can specify where the "mounted ON the motor" position begins or ends.

[HR Solutions]

On most gate motors, there is a green terminal block for the live, neutral and earth

Normally found on Centurion motors inside under the green cover and is the connection to the transformer - this is purely the mains connection - this connection must come from the isolator/plugpoint mounted outside the motor within 1 metre.

[PaulG]

Normally found on Centurion motors inside under the green cover and is the connection to the transformer - this is purely the mains connection - this connection must come from the isolator/plugpoint mounted outside the motor within 1 metre.

Where does the 1m requirement come from? As I read SANS 10142, if a motor is supplied from a socket outlet, that outlet need only be visible from the motor?

6.16.5.1.5 Each motor shall be supplied by a manually operated disconnector or any other manually operated disconnecting arrangement such as a withdrawable circuit-breaker, a removable link, a fuse or by the removal of a plug from a socket-outlet, which provides at least the same isolating distance, for the sake of safety, as a disconnector that is

a) readily accessible and mounted on or next to the motor, or
b) visible from the motor, or
c) lockable in the open position, or
d) housed in a lockable enclosure other than a distribution board.

[HR Solutions]

Where does the 1m requirement come from? As I read SANS 10142, if a motor is supplied from a socket outlet, that outlet need only be visible from the motor?

I had a security business for a long time, which I eventually sold about 3 years ago. At that stage they were implementing the COC's for motors etc and I seem to recall that the draft they were putting together just stated 1m. I think they were trying to eliminate running cables from a nearby pool motor for e.g. that was "visible" - the isolator should be within arms distance from a motor i.e. thats where the 1m came from.