Dedicated Space Above Panelboard

[pete m.]

..but, but, but, I'm taking about the case of a return air duct that is above the workspace (i.e. >6' above the panel and not in the dedicated workspace). The Code doesn't allow this, yet allows a sprinkler head to be placed 1" away.
IMO, to say you can't have this air duct here because it poses a risk of what, dripping water? Yet to allow the sprinkler head seems ridiculous.

The NEC specifically permits sprinkler water to spray on the electrical equipment as Don stated in the case the need arises.

110.26(E)(1)(b) allows foriegn systems above the working space as long as protection for the electrical equipment is provided where necessary. If the AHJ can determine that a return air duct (or supply for that matter) poses no threat to the electrical equipment below it then no additional measures would need to be taken. Just because you have foriegn systems above the dedicated space doesn't mean that some sort of protective device is automatically required, IMHO.

Pete