CNC Milling machine electronic control cab

[saabman]

I am building a CNC milling machine and I have installed the "electronics" in a NEMA cabinet. It is not practical to mount the cabinet on the mill, so I will mount it on the wall adjacent to the mill.

Should I have a disconnect switch upstream of the cabinet (230 v, 30 A) or can I wire the cabinet with a 30 A twistloc plug (both seemingly provide the equivalent "power disconnect" to work on the cabinet). The cabinet itself has an emergency power off switch to cut power to the mill.

Chris

 

[RPH]

Can't beat a disconnect switch when things go wrong, that being said I understand that a lot of people use a plug as a disconnect. Not a code expert but I know something about line of sight and distance comes into play. But disconnects are cheap and I personally install on all my machine tools and I am well equiped. Just like pulling the handle and locking it out when the need is there. Code experts please chime in.

 

[rockwithjason]

cord and plug may serve as a disconnect in this instance. you certainly can install a disconnect if you like but cord and plug would serve well

 

[jkeyser14]

Cords and plugs can be used as a means of disconnect. In an industrial setting (not you at home by yourself) you need to buy lockout boxes that go on the plug when the unit is being serviced to prevent someone creating a dangerous situation by plugging it in when someone is servicing the equipment.

 

[hofferwood]

Cords and plugs can be used as a means of disconnect. In an industrial setting (not you at home by yourself) you need to buy lockout boxes that go on the plug when the unit is being serviced to prevent someone creating a dangerous situation by plugging it in when someone is servicing the equipment.

Hey saabman,
An example of what jkeyser is refering to http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ec...?Ns=List+Price|0&op=search&sst=subset&sort=DD
Just a suggestion, if not tie a sock over the plug. Cause anyone can walk in and say "wow this is unplugged"-------ouch!!!!!! You have your hands in the box and head into M-codes
Safety first LOCKOUT-TAGOUT

Chuck