Which Disconnect?

[bczygan]

Looking at these 2 for a 5HP compressor.

Which would you choose?

QO metal $13.45
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-60-Amp-Non-Fusible-Metallic-Enclosed-Circuit-Breaker/3364886

QO Plastic $18.60
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-60-Amp-Non-Fusible-Non-Metallic-Enclosed-Circuit-Breaker/1001475

Bill

 

[pattenp]

I actually chose the metal, but plastic will work.

 

[The Cobbler]

the metal one is a switch only, the plastic one has a breaker by the looks of it.

 

[Norcal]

the metal one is a switch only, the plastic one has a breaker by the looks of it.

They both may molded case switches.

 

[pattenp]

They both may molded case switches.

Yep.. both are just switches. I don't know why they list them as breakers.

 

[bczygan]

I chose the plastic one

It's bigger and more prominent visually.

I like the feel of plastic better on a cold day.

And prefer opening a door sideways instead of lifting it up.

Is there a reason it costs more?

Bill

 

[theoldwizard1]

You can also use an A/C disconnect, fused or unfused.

 

[bczygan]

You can also use an A/C disconnect, fused or unfused.

They are both described as A/C disconnects.

Bill

 

[readhead]

How about a plug at the end of a cord? Pull the plug, disconnected.

 

[sberry]

How bout ,,, is the breaker local to start with?

 

[manwithtools]

How about a plug at the end of a cord? Pull the plug, disconnected.

Let me save wyliesdiesels the trouble, "Motors over three horsepower cannot be plug connected" Well, they can, it just gets expensive.

 

[BillK]

For a compressor (or any equipment really) I would want one with a handle. That way you can just reach over and turn it off without fumbling with covers etc.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-30-A...PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-202978661-_-202978634-_-N

 

[shaggyant]

I have one like this in a double gang box.

https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-MS302-DS-Disconnect-Industrial-Non-Grounding/dp/B002MPQ51O/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=yo_pop_d_pd_title

Otherwise I pick the side door model. Much easier if you are frequently cycling the switch.

 

[matt_i]

I put two of the metal ones in for A/C disconnects. The "breaker" is denoted as just a shutoff and no current-limiting feature. However it looks exactly like a Square D breaker.

I like the switch over fumbling with the little "bus bar" thingy I've seen on other A/C disconnects.

 

[sparky 1971]

I wouldn't use either one unless you are putting it outside. Those are outdoor rated and neither one has a knockout on the top. the plastic one has does ko's on the side. I don't know about the plastic box, but you won't be able to drill a hole in the top or the sides of the metal box because it's a one piece cover. I would get a knife handle disconnect or a small breaker panel and use it for the disco. Also, if the compressor is within 50' of the panel and unobstructed from view of the compressor, you can use the breaker for the disconnect.

 

[Matt Matt]

I personally like disconnects, that I have lockout features with knife configuration and overload protection. For most of my single phase stuff I use CH222N.