Quick Disconnect for 15 Ton Carrier Chiller, Please help ASAP

[mvsubstation]

We have a small 15 Ton water cooled chiller. We want to have an easy disconnect for the electric supply so that the chiller can be removed for servicing. The only thing I can think of is to have the electrical contractor splice a cord and plug to the terminal box of the chiller and install the apropriate NEMA receptacle in the wall of the room. Is this feasible? Are there any code issues with this? Or any other way to do it that will meet Code?

 

[grobert]

There would be no problem doing as you suggest. Make sure the connectors match or exceed the incoming voltage / amperage. Keep in mind that most connectors rated at the nameplate volt / amps are not rated to make and break the circuit while under load (you can purchase ones that are, but they are even more expensive).At the very least you will need to post a sign telling service personel not to engage / disengage connectors with power applied.

 

[Plugman]

mvsub,

What voltage and amperage are you needing. As grobert suggested, there are manufacturers that make plugs and receptacles with UL switch ratings. These can be made and broken under full load. They do not cost much more than a standard plug and interlock mechanism.

 

[mvsubstation]

The Unit is a 460V,3 phase, 28 Full Load Amp chiller. What would be a good manufacturer for the Cord and Plug?

 

[Laplacian]

Crouse-Hinds ARKTITE series of plugs/receptacles would work for your application. Do you have/need motor overload protection?

 

[BJC]

Laplacian has the answer.
You may want to provide a disconnecting means for any controls with the unit. Depending on the application chillers may have heaters, solenoid valves etc. that get power from a differen source than the primary feeder.

 

[Plugman]

Be carefull with the Arktite devices. I don't think they are rated or have been tested to make and break under full load. Be even more carefull if you need a horsepower rating for making and breaking. May I suggest Meltric as an alternative. Their devices carry a UL 98 switch rating

http://www.meltric.com

I'm pretty sure the Meltric devices are also available with pilot contacts so that control circuits can be disconnected with the power.

 

[busbar]

Crouse-Hinds' 'Arktites' and their Appleton equivalents in the past were always packed with data on acceptable loadbreak ratings, and seem to have on the order of a century’s worth of a track record.

"IEC 309 Series 2" connectors are made by several outfits.

 

[hacksaw]

you want a lockable disconnect close to the equipment with control volage interlock with the contactor, to prevent disconnecting by the switch under load.

If you pull a plug under load, you'll really create a mess and possibly hurt someone or two, or three...

 

[Plugman]

hacksaw,

interlocks are not needed with all brands. Some are rated to be disconnects and plugs/receptacles in one device.

Your statements are true for typical pin and sleeve devices.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: The lockable disconnect will have a safety edge. Usually, services dealing with that size of chiller are prepared to disconnect cables from the disconnect or junction box. The cord with a plug will become unsafe after some time to plug in and unplug, especially, in wet environment.

 

[skiier]

why not just mount a receptacle -as suggested by everyone-on the bottom of an appropriate non-fused disconnect located nearby. Run a cord set to the unit and disconnect and unplug as required.If required add auxialiary contacts to your disconnect for additional control receptacles as neededor just use a multipin receptacle rated for the job.
The disconnect makes everyone feel safe before they unplug.
As well do you have a general purpose 15A receptacle located nearby for service? I hate running long extension cord to service equipment.And a water tap nearby also helps a great deal for sprayers and the like.
stuff like this cuts down on outside maintanence costs and speeds service.

 

[jbartos]

Comment on the previous posting: Yes, disconnect and receptacle can be applied; however, it is somewhat more expensive solution.