Working Clearance

[nunoslg]

I am installing a N3R 600/3 disconnect on the outside of a new building.
The door of the disconnect is hindged at the top so the door opens up and not to the side.
The electrical inspector says that this installation fails due to the door , when opened , is not over the 6.6 height requirement.
I say that the 6.6 heigth requirement is talking about a ceiling heigth of a room not the heigth of the disconnect door.
What do you think.
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[Willie Pete]

Can someone enlighten me on what is wrong with this installation? Main Fusable disconnect outdoors. Virticle hinged, mounted about four inches from grade. When door is open there is four feet from grade to panel door. Would like imput on code violations!

Thanks, Willie Pete

[rcarroll]

As much as I hate those top hinged doors, IMO the inspector is wrong.

[charlie b]

I joined two new threads from two new members into a single thread. I may have been wrong to have done so, but the topics seemed to be too very similar for mere coincidence. Also, since the two members are from the same area code, it came to my mind that this might be one person registering under two names.

If either nunoslg or Willie Pete object to having this joining of two threads into one, please send me a private message.

[Energize]

110.26 (E) states the minimum headroom of working spaces. It does not state anything about "ceiling height".

The intent, I believe, is to allow enough room to work without squating. Therefore, even though the installation is outside, this installation fails to meet the minimum headroom requirment. I believe the inspector made the correct call.

[Dennis Alwon]

Originally Posted by nunoslg

I am installing a N3R 600/3 disconnect on the outside of a new building.
The door of the disconnect is hindged at the top so the door opens up and not to the side.
The electrical inspector says that this installation fails due to the door , when opened , is not over the 6.6 height requirement.
I say that the 6.6 heigth requirement is talking about a ceiling heigth of a room not the heigth of the disconnect door.

This is an interesting catch by the inspector. The 6.6 is the minimum headroom needed to safely work on the panel. When a top hinged door is opened then your height is diminished.

I have never seen anyone caught on this one but it does make sense to me. The code does not really specify where that measurement is taken from.

On the second post picture I find as a horrendous installation. I have worked to often on situation like that. Side hinged panels are the way to go. I know Siemens and Cutler Hammer make them- don't know who else.

[charlie b]

I think this is crystal clear, and I think the Inspector is right.

Start with the second sentence of 110.26(A)(1). That tells me that the working space begins at the front face of the enclosure.

Next go to 110.26(A)(3). The working space, as defined earlier, extends from the “grade, floor, or platform,” and it extends to the 6’6” level above that grade, floor, or platform.

The cover, as described in the first post, and as depicted in the second post, violates the required clear space.

[charlie b]

Originally Posted by Energize

110.26 (E) states the minimum headroom of working spaces. It does not state anything about "ceiling height".

What is relevant is that 110.26(A)(3) speaks of "height of work space." that has nothing to do with ceilings or headroom. You go from 110.26(A)(3) to 110.26(E), since the earlier paragraph tells you to get the value for height from the later paragraph.

[charlie b]

Originally Posted by charlie b

. . . and I think the Inspector is right.

I don't think I get to say that often enough. My apologies to the Inspectors who frequent this Forum. :smile: :wink: :rolleyes: :cool: (The system won't let me put in any more smilies.)

[chris kennedy]

Hey guys, take the hinged door off and work comfortably. I do it all the time, as I also hate those things.