110.26 800A (formerly 1200A) rule

[mshields]

The 2014 NEC, 110.26(C)3, changed criteria for electric room doors opening out and with panic hardware from 1200A to 800A. I've got an electric room with no more than 400A's in it and with doors opening in. A colleague of mine insist that I should have the Arch change this (such that the doors open out) as Fire Marshalls and AHJ's often require the doors to open out for ALL electric rooms, regardless of ampacity. This has not been my experience. I was wondering what your collective experience has been regardless of jurisdiction although MA and still more, Boston, MA would be of particular interest.

Thanks

Mike

 

[charlie b]

I always want the doors to the electric rooms opening out. This is not required by the NEC in your case, as the 800 amp (formerly 1200 amp) rule applies to any single switchboard or panelboard. The sum of the ratings of two or more boards does not come into play. What the architects tell me, however, is that they perfer the doors to open inwards, unless there is a clear rule requiring it the other way. Their consideration is keeping the pathway through the corridor clear for egress purposes. The corridor has to be wider, to maintain egress room, if there are doors that open into the corridor.

 

[lielec11]

I agree with Charlie, and always try to open the doors to my electric rooms out into the corridor regardless of the equipment inside. But it is always a battle with the architects.

I think your best bet would be to call the Fire Marshal or AHJ in your area directly and get their input since they will be the ones doing the inspection. If they insist, it is a clear cut case to the architect that they need to change the swing.