Code Quiz of Day

Types of Approved Motor Disconnecting Means

March 3, 2015

Part VIII of Article 430 is specific to motor control centers.

A horsepower-rated _____ having a horsepower rating not less than the motor rating shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means.

a) attachment plug and receptacle
b) flanged surface inlet and cord connector
c) automatic controller
d) a or b

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: d) a or b

Article 430 covers motors, motor circuits and controllers. Part VIII of this Article is specific to motor control centers. As noted in the first sentence of Sec. 430.109(F), "For a cord-and-plug-connected motor, a horsepower-rated attachment plug and receptacle, flanged surface inlet and cord connector, or attachment plug and cord connector having ratings no less than the motor ratings shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.