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Single Pole Control Switch On 240-v Motor #214573 12/22/14 02:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2
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02vito Offline OP
New Member
Installed a 20-a, 240-v, single-phase, dedicated branch circuit for an automotive lift.

The lift-installation instructions required that the lift-motor supply voltage (under load)and current be measured and recorded.

In doing this, we noticed that the lift-motor control switch is only a single-pole device. Other lifts we have worked on have had 2-pole switches.

We were surprised that a nationally-known, ETL-listed lift would use a single-pole switch on a 240-v device. Our local electrical inspector was also surprised when we informed him of what we found.

I'm wondering what others are seeing in this type application. I don't recall ever seeing a 240-v device operated from a single-pole control.

2017 / 2014 NEC & Related Books and Study Guides
Re: Single Pole Control Switch On 240-v Motor [Re: 02vito] #214575 12/22/14 03:38 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,577
G
gfretwell Offline
Member
You can use single pole "control" but you still need a 2 pole disconnect.

Quote
430.84 Need Not Open All Conductors.
The controller shall not be required to open all conductors to the motor.
Exception: Where the controller serves also as a disconnecting means, it shall open all ungrounded conductors to the motor as provided in 430.111.


Greg Fretwell
Re: Single Pole Control Switch On 240-v Motor [Re: 02vito] #214582 12/23/14 03:49 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 908
N
NORCAL Offline
Member
HVAC equipment uses single pole contactors for 208-240V units & 2 pole ones for 3Ø units all the time.

As the code section quoted in the previous post shows, it's quite code compliant, but means any electrician needs to be on their toes & trust nothing.

Re: Single Pole Control Switch On 240-v Motor [Re: 02vito] #214603 12/24/14 03:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
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02vito Offline OP
New Member
Thank you both for your responses.

The circuit in question has of course a 2-pole breaker. The lift was furnished with a pigtail and twist-lock plug, so that serves as the local disconnect.

Most of my experience is in the power industry, and at the utility where I worked, we always used control devices that broke all hot circuit legs.

Re: Single Pole Control Switch On 240-v Motor [Re: 02vito] #214607 12/24/14 10:17 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,577
G
gfretwell Offline
Member
Breaking all ungrounded legs is actually pretty uncommon when they use solid state switching for controls.


Greg Fretwell

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