Requirement of local isolators for 3 phase motors on plant

[Monty2010]

Normally I fit local isolators adjacent to 3 phase motors to allow for maintenance. I have been informed that as my main control panel is within 8 meters at most from any one motor on the plant I can install a lockable emergency stop push button to kill the control circuit and use this as a suitable replacement. What are your thoughts? Is there a regulation for a requirement of local isolators as I cannot find one specifically stating that it's required.

 

[pepparz]

have a look at 537.2.2.1 and 537.3.2.1

 

[pepparz]

although u should risk assess to see if its a requirement

 

[Knobhead]

Locking the control does not under any circumstances equate to isolation. Locking the panel isolator does.

Something I did on a panel feeding over 100 drives. I took the outgoing from the panel isolator through various isolators dotted around the plant then back to the panel.

 

[Spoon]

No where in the regs does it say that motors should have LOCAL isolation. I used to think it did....

Section 132.15.2 Every fixed electrical motor shall be provided with an efficient means of switching off, readily accessible, easily operated and so placed as to prevent danger.

 

[pepparz]

personally i prefer a motor to be locally isolated that way when ur working on it u can see the isolation is still in place.

 

[Engineer54]

Personally, i don't give a damn what it say's in BS7671, or any other standard, ...local isolation is always provided to any motor driven machinery/equipment!! And local will mean local too, not several metres away or round a corner out of sight!!

I agree with Tony too, in that locking a control circuit, does not equate to the safe isolation of power...

 

[pepparz]

local isolation is not needed where there is no danger to person

 

[pepparz]

unless of course u like wasting money or flogging a dead horse.(not the sex pistols track)

 

[Engineer54]

If there is a motor drive, then it will need to be worked on at one time or another. Therefore local isolation (preferably locking) be it for maintenance purposes, emg isolation etc,etc, should always be required...

 

[Spoon]

As you have mentioned on post 7, you don't give a bamn what the regs say about this, but I have to say again that no 'local' isolation is required. It is nice but not compulsory.

 

[pepparz]

U need to think outside the box eng

 

[Engineer54]

As you have mentioned on post 7, you don't give a bamn what the regs say about this, but I have to say again that no 'local' isolation is required. It is nice but not compulsory.

Yep and another reason why i take little notice of BS 7671 when it comes to full on commercial/industrial installations. ...And it's nothing to do with it being nice to have!! lol!!

 

[pepparz]

Yep and another reason why i take little notice of BS 7671 when it comes to full on commercial/industrial installations. ...And it's nothing to do with it being nice to have!! lol!!

just a question, but are u qualified to the 17edition?

 

[Engineer54]

just a question, but are u qualified to the 17edition?

You're the last person to question my qualifications or abilities!! lol!!

 

[pepparz]

i'll take that as a no then!! lol!!!

 

[pepparz]

please be aware that this thread is concerning regulations on local isolation, and as such ur not in a position to advise.

 

[pepparz]

please dont tell me u failed the exam,omg!!

 

[KAS1]

please dont tell me u failed the exam,omg!!

That's bit personal, if you take the time to read his posts I think you will understand that he knows what he is talking about lol

 

[snowhead]

please be aware that this thread is concerning regulations on local isolation, and as such ur not in a position to advise.

Anyone can read a book and interpret what is said in it if they have knowledge of the subject.

If it was that hard to understand there'd be no such thing as a wonder.

Re O.P

There's Regs
There'd client spec
There's good working practice
And there's budget critical jobs.

All have to be considered