Electric Water Heaters come under Appliances (422.13).Article 422
Cannot have a Plug for a Disconnect unless its portable (422.1 & 422.16) & does require a Disconnect either Within Sight OR capable of being locked (422.30 & 422.31).
Motors AHU's ect come under Article 430.
Start with 430.101 & 430.102 (A) & 430.102(B)
They do require disconnect switches per theses sections.
430.109 Types of Disconnect switches Approved for use as stated.
Except under the exceptions as noted.
