110.26(6) is new for 2023. Grade, Floor, or working platform has to be 'level and flat as practical'. As an AHJ, this interpretation seems like it is up to me. If I had an outdoor panel or equipment, and it has a steep grade away from the building for the working space, how far does one take it to make the space 'level an flat as practical'? Iowa is still dragging along on the 2020 NEC. I'm curious as to how others are accomplishing this requirement.
110.26(6)
- Thread starter NTesla76
- Start date
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
I find the level ground thing to be silly. Unless this is on the side of a cliff if someone were able to work on the equipment when they actually installed in on the slope then someone can work on it after it's installed.
Those were my thoughts when I first read about this new requirement.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Unless the NEC is going to give you a measurable amount of acceptable slope these requirements border on meaningless because how can you enforce them?
Ambiguity is the enemy of code language although the NEC doesn't seem to have a problem with it lately.
Fred B
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate, NY
- Occupation
- Electrician
I would lean to sizing for the table 110.26(A)(1) rules. But with a slope away a little less of a safety issue than a lateral slope or worse a slope toward the panel where a small off balance can put you into the panel rather than away. AHJ has some discretion on the interpretation of this. With a slope away or lateral you could build a platform in front of the panel to the size requirements of the working space.
Probably got a few wood or concrete manufacturers on the CMPs nowadays.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Isn't there a code rule about mounting a panel over a set of stairs regardless how wide and steep they are?
Fred B
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate, NY
- Occupation
- Electrician
There is but the OP reference a sloped landscape not a stairs.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
A level work surface is a level surface. Both cases the NEC leaves it up to the AHJ or other codes to define the amount of unlevel.
Fred B
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate, NY
- Occupation
- Electrician
A stair is specifically restricted and not as part of an unlevel surface limitation.
electrofelon
Senior Member
- Location
- Cherry Valley NY, Seattle, WA
Another stupid rule IMO. Stairs are a great spot for panels actually, people can't put crap in front of them or build cabinets over them - oh yeah, CMP's wouldn't know that they are so out of touch and clueless. Seems like there isn't a single actual electrician on them.
Also, of all the nasty crap rat hole misery kill self places I have to go as an electrician, working on stairs is luxurious in comparison. Why don't they put a rule in there saying client has to vacuum out the nasty cancer insulation in their attic before the electrician can go work up there?