ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area What's in a word?

would a LOTTO compliant disco as opposed to one that was not apply here?

All,
I truly am wondering if there are 2 different pieces of equipment, or if either term can be accurately used to describe what we commonly refer to as a "disconnect".
pauluk,
In the US an "Isolating Switch" refers to a switch that is not used to interrupt load current, but to provide a means to isolate the power from the load after it has been disconnected by other means.
(Sounds like a good definition for a safety switch to me?)

More confusion

I often install receptacles that are switch and/or horsepower rated.

At the touch of a button and all conductors are opened and a spot for LOTO

Then you can close under load.

To me this is a disconect.
http://www.meltric.com/products.html

Here is how Graybar defines the terms, as indicated by the way they fill orders:
Safety Switch: Looks like a motor starter enclosure, with a big, lockable external handle.
Disconnect (non fused): Quite a bit smaller, with a flip-up front panel, that exposes something that looks like a circuit breaker, but without any amp rating on the little handle.

I did 12 fusible 3P-3Ø 60A's today. They were GE, and said "Safety Switch" on the cover.
So, what's an EXO?

Electure — That's short for "externally operable" such as a fusible switch where you don’t lift a cover to operate it. Another term is "XOP."