Steam Pipe Above Electrical Panels

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Steve Merrick

Member
Location
Anchorage, AK
Our pipefitters have routed a steam line directly above a couple of NEMA-1 electrical panels. It has been pointed out that this is a potential violation of NEC 110.34(F) which states: "Pipes or ducts foreign to the electrical installation and requiring periodic maintenance or whose malfunction would endanger the operation of the electrical system shall not be located in the vicinity of the service equipment..."

I contend that the steam line located several feet above the electrical panels is not necessarily a Code violation, as the pipe does not need periodic maintenance and its failure (a steam leak), though highly unlikely, would manifest as cloud of steam vapor and not as drops of water falling onto the panels.

What say you? Do the fitters need to move the steam pipe from above the panel , or is it OK to leave it?

Thanks!
Steve
 
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augie47

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Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
leaking steam pipes can be a problem, but regardless, any Code violation could cause you a problem down the road. It should be moved
 

infinity

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Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
Here's a graphic of the dedicated space requirement from the NECH:

Dedicatedspace.jpg
 

charlie b

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Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Then 110.34(F) is not a player. The relevant rule is 110.26(F). That one does not say anything about the pipe needing periodic maintenance or presenting a potential hazard. It flat out forbids pipes above panels, for the space of 6 feet above the top of the panel. A pipe can be installed higher than 6 feet above the top of the panel, but you would need a drip shield.
 
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