Clearance in front of control panels for HVAC EQ

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mshields

mshields

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Boston, MA
I've got some control panels for heat pumps that are 120V. These are located in the ceiling cavity. Does the work clearance requirements of Article 110 apply to these. i.e. must I have 3 feet in front and 30 inches laterally?

Someone is telling me that if you classify the area as a service only area, you can get away with 18 inches of clearance in front and laterally. I don't see this in the code. Am I missing something?


Thanks,

Mike
 
Mike,

Are these small individual panels, like a VAV ? Or are they pretty good size with lots of

circuits, that may need servicing while energized.
 
Heat Pump Control panels

Heat Pump Control panels

Relatively small with controls for a heat pump. The only line voltage in the box is the incomming power to a CPT. After that everything is LV. There isn't even a breaker where the power comes in. You shut down the entire unit to perform work on any part of it including the controls.

I can't imagine why they'd ever need to work on this box while energized.

Mike
 
enforcement

enforcement

Well - I hear ya. And that's probably why I never fielded the question before. But our contractor on the job (the general) ran into an inspector who did enforce it and now he wants to make sure we don't make the same mistake.

Of course, now that they're asking for my opinion, I'm going to have to put my conservative consulting engineering hat and tell them yes, we need the clearance.

Thanks,

Mike
 
mshields said:
Relatively small with controls for a heat pump. The only line voltage in the box is the incomming power to a CPT. After that everything is LV. There isn't even a breaker where the power comes in. You shut down the entire unit to perform work on any part of it including the controls.

I can't imagine why they'd ever need to work on this box while energized.

Mike
Click to expand...

I agree with Benaround, not enforced much, but if likely to require examination while energized . . .

Low voltage (under 30 rms) clearances are the same as 120 volt equipment unless the inspector waives it in writing.

Over 30 v rms clearances are the same as 120 volt.

Still not enforced :roll:.
 
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