110.26(C)2

[vanwalker]

Would steps(5) be an issue if it was the only way out of electrical room, that requires two exits, if an exception could apply? :?: THANKS GEO

 

[pete m.]

What exception are you referring to? Or are you asking if this would be an AHJ decision?

 

[vanwalker]

111.26(C)2

111.26(C)2

There is an exception with one exit that is unobstruted that would work as per picture in NEC HB 2005. I hope it is not AHJ
decision as all the info needed is there . I was wonder if there where any issues of steps , in being unobstructed. THANK AGAIN GEO

 

[ryan_618]

Onlt the AHJ knows what "unobstructed" means

 

[vanwalker]

I am the AHJ THANKS ANYWAY GEO

 

[pete m.]

If you are the AHJ and all the applicable parts of 110.26 have been met, and understanding the intent of the requirement, you will need to "make the call" as to the stairs being an obstruction or not.

As Ryan indicated, this is a "call" that would have to be made based upon the conditions that are specific to the situation.

 

[charlie b]

I don't have the handbook, and I don't understand the question. But let me take a guess.

I think you are saying that, in order to get out of the room, a person would have to walk up steps. That is different than saying that there are steps to an upper level of the same room, that the exit door is on the same level as the equipment, and that the steps are located in the path between the equipment and the only exit door.

If my guess is right, then I don't see steps as being an obstruction to the exit path. Rather, they are part of the exit path. I think the exception is all about being able to walk, starting at the place at which you are working, and going to the exit, without having to walk around anything. If there is a column between the equipment and the door, then the path is obstructed. But if there is no other obstruction between the equipment and the steps, and if the steps are part of the path to the door, then that is acceptable.

By the way, in my opinion, if you get into the equipment by opening (and not completely removing) a panel door, and if that panel door is hinged in such a way to cause the open panel door to be between the worker and the exit door (i.e., with the panel door open and with the worker's hands inside the enclosure, the person cannot see the exit door because the panel door is in the way), then I would say the path is obstructed by the panel door itself.

 

[pierre]

110.26(C)(2) is in reference to the Working Space, not necessarily the room.

The working space will be determined by the space about the equipment, and if the door or in your case the steps are not within the working space, it is not a concern of the NEC.

 

[vanwalker]

I have been in electrical room at a bad time, this example, the steps would be an obstruction because of everything that is going on at that time. I would really like to have no opinion but the written words.
PIERRE, Handbook has a picture , working space is fine , NEC does address getting out of room. THANKS TO ALL