The disconnecting means for stationary motors 2 HP or less and 300 V or less is permitted to be a general-use switch rated at least twice the full-load current according to which NEC sections?

• A. 422.31 and 404.14
• B. 422.11 and 424.19
• C. 680.2 and 408.4
• D. 210.23

Answer: (A)

Small-motor disconnects can be simplified by using a general-use switch as the disconnecting means, but only under specific limits. For stationary motors that are 2 HP or less and operate at 300 V or less, the disconnecting means may be a general-use switch, provided the switch is rated at least twice the motor’s full-load current. This ensures the switch can safely interrupt the motor current, including startup surges, without needing a special motor-rated disconnect.

The two NEC sections together govern this: one section sets the allowance for using a general-use switch as the motor disconnect under those small-motor and voltage limits, and the other section defines the requirements for general-use switches themselves (their rating relative to the load they control). The pairing makes clear that this simplified method is permitted only for the specified motor size and voltage, and only if the switch rating meets the required multiple of the full-load current.

Other options refer to different parts of the code that don’t address this specific provision for small motors and general-use switches, so they aren’t applicable here.