110.26(A) - examination of energized equipment

[Mr. Bill]

Added:
FPN: Checking for presence of voltage prior to working on unenergized equipment would not be considered examination of energized equipment.

I've seen several submittals over several cycles try to clarify this paragraph. A lot of it seems to stem from the handbood's explanation that checking voltage is an examination and requires a working space. Inspectors have used this to require items like non-fused disconnects to need a working space. Since every text change has been dismissed by the Code-Making Panel I thought they might be more agreeable to a very limited scope fine print note.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

In view of the OSHA and 70E rules I highly doubt that the CMP would accept that FPN...testing for voltage is examination of equipment.

 

[Mr. Bill]

But it is not testing for voltage on equipment likely to be energized at time of examination.

If it can be argued that a non-fused disconnect for a motor is required to have the working space as defined in Table 110.26(A)(1) then every piece of electric equipment has the same potential for examination. Light switches or receptacles should then require the same working space. That could get interesting in homes and offices.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

But it is not testing for voltage on equipment likely to be energized at time of examination.

If it can be argued that a non-fused disconnect for a motor is required to have the working space as defined in Table 110.26(A)(1) then every piece of electric equipment has the same potential for examination. Light switches or receptacles should then require the same working space. That could get interesting in homes and offices.

Until it is tested, it is energized per the electrical safe work rules.

As far as the switches and receptacles go, it is my opinion that they are "equipment likely to require examination while energized". The real issue with this code section is the fact that the code making panel refuses to accept any reasonable limits on the type of equipment that is covered by the code section. As it is now written it covers all electrical equipment and is in conflict with a number of other code sections that require equipment to be installed without the 110.26 work spaces.