Final answer:
A disconnecting means for a motor must be able to break the circuit, provide visible isolation, and offer overload protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disconnecting means for a motor is required to do three essential things:
- Break the circuit to the motor to allow for safe servicing and maintenance.
- Provide a visible gap in the circuit to verify that the circuit is indeed broken, which we refer to as visible isolation.
- Offer overload protection to prevent the motor from damage in case current exceeds the motor's rating, known as overload protection.
These components ensure that electrical equipment can be deactivated and safely serviced, which is vital for protecting both the equipment and the personnel working with or around it.