Can a manual motor starter serve as a means of disconnection?

A manual motor starter can indeed serve as a means of disconnection, especially for smaller motors, typically those of 1/3 horsepower or less. This is because manual motor starters are designed to provide both starting and stopping capabilities for electric motors while also serving as a disconnecting means. They do this by enabling operators to manually turn the motor on or off, which can effectively isolate the motor from the power source when needed.

For smaller motors, the risk associated with using a manual motor starter is considered manageable, making it a practical solution for isolation in low-power applications. Additionally, manual motor starters often have built-in overload protection that helps safeguard the motor from damage, enhancing their suitability for disconnection purposes.

In contrast, for larger motors or in situations where higher safety standards are required, the use of more comprehensive protection and disconnection devices may be necessitated to ensure safety during maintenance and operation.