rcallen
Member
- Location
- Odgen, Utah
Article 110 of the NEC requires extra clearances around switchboards and panelboards whose bus is rated 1200 amps or more. The distance in front must be doubled from table 110.26(A)(1) or there must be two entrances on either end of the switchboard. An exception says that if there is a "continuous and unobstructed way of exit" then two exits/entrances are not required.
What does "unobstructed way of exit mean"? Is a door in front of the switchboard all that is required? Does it mean that the door in front of the switchboard must have panic hardware on it? Does it mean double doors with panic hardware in front of the switchboard? Does it mean an open archway with no doors at all in front of the switchboard?
Is there any consensus on what this requirement means? Does anyone have experience with the interpretations of electrical inspectors that would guide me here?
What does "unobstructed way of exit mean"? Is a door in front of the switchboard all that is required? Does it mean that the door in front of the switchboard must have panic hardware on it? Does it mean double doors with panic hardware in front of the switchboard? Does it mean an open archway with no doors at all in front of the switchboard?
Is there any consensus on what this requirement means? Does anyone have experience with the interpretations of electrical inspectors that would guide me here?