Requirements for disconnecting means include (See 620.51 NEC-2005):
1 - must be enclosed and externally operable
enclosed - surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents persons from accidentally contacting energized parts (NEC Definitions-2005)
externally operable - capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts (NEC Definitions-2005)
2 - must be a fused motor circuit switch or a circuit breaker
3 - must be capable of being locked in the open position
4 - must be a listed device
5 - must be located where it is readily accessible to qualified persons
Elevators without generator field control - must be located within sight of the motor controller
Elevators with generator field control - must be located within sight of the motor controller for the driving motor of the motor-generator set
Escalators and moving walks - must be located in the space where the controller is located
Wheelchair lifts and stairway chairlifts - must be located within sight of the motor controller
within sight of - the specified equipment is to be visible and not more than 15 m (50 ft) distant from the other (NEC Definitions-2005)
6 - must be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the driving machine that they control where there is more than one driving machine in a machine room. (A17.1-2004 requires buildings with more than one elevator to "be assigned a unique alphabetical or numerical identification" See 2.29.1)
7 - must be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device
The 4 enclosed and externally operable switches displayed above are typical of the type normally used in the vertical transportation industry.
The 2 enclosed and externally operable switches displayed above are atypical of the type normally used in the vertical transportation industry, however, they do fulfill all of the requirements for disconnecting means. These switches are generally rated for no more than 240 VAC 1PH 60A duty which would be adequate for platform lifts, dumbwaiters, and most private residence elevators. C is the pull-out block which can be either a set of contacts or a set of contacts and the fuses. B is the interior trim. The wiring, lugs, and fuses (if not on the pull-out block) are located behind this trim.
E-mail Bob Desnoyers with your disconnecting means comments 
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