you have 2 guidelines to consider (there may be others)
NFPA70 - national electric code requires that all motors not within sight of the main control panel disconnect have a disconnect. see the definition in the code book "in sight from" all motors must be within 50 ft from the main control panel and be within sight of the panel disconnect.
nfpa 79 - electrical standard for industrial machinery.
this also applies.
you also may want to goto www.mikeholt.com and ask your question there. this is an electrical code forum.
regards,
james.
James,
Please note there is an exception that allows the lockable disconnect to NOT be within sight of the motor. The stipulation is that the disconnect is lockable AND the facility has a written Lock Out - Tag Out procedure.
For example, some facilities build enclosed MCC rooms. I am not saying it doesn't make sense to have a disconnecting means within sight, but in some instances it is not practical nor is it worth the extra cost.
Justin