110.26(E)

[charlie b]

Does a "lighting relay cabinet" meet the intent of the dedicated equipment space rule, in the sense that it is a type of "panelboard"?

 

[ron]

Does it fit the panelboard definition such as having automatic overcurrent devices?

 

[charlie b]

Does it fit the panelboard definition such as having automatic overcurrent devices?

Nope. And that definition has the word "including" followed by three things, each separated by the word, "and." The LRC has the third of these (maybe), if the relays count as being "switches" for the control of light. But I don't think there are buses or overcurrent devices. So I think I can tell the mechanical engineer that he can run an HVAC duct over the LRC. I don't particularly like the idea, since it is certainly possible that additional lighting controls might be installed in the future. But I also think it is not a code violation, and is just a design preference.

Anyone disagree?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is what it states.

(

E) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, switchgear,
panelboards, and motor control centers shall be located
in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
Exception: Control equipment that by its very nature or
because of other rules of the Code must be adjacent to or
within sight of its operating machinery shall be permitted
in those locations.

A panelboard by definition seems to fit the lighting panel IMO. So I would say Yes 110.26(E) applies

Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed
for assembly in the form of a single panel, including
buses and automatic overcurrent devices, and equipped
with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or
power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout
box placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support;
and accessible only from the front.

 

[charlie b]

Dennis, here is my problem with that interpretation (my emphasis in CAPS, bold, red):

Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel, including buses AND automatic overcurrent devices, AND equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits; designed to be placed in a cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.

As I mentioned earlier, if the LRC does not include OCPDs, then 110.26(E) would not apply, even though it may have switches to control lights.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I understand how you see but I see it as the section includes buses AND automatic overcurrent devices, AND equipped with or without switches for the control of light

 

[infinity]

Dennis, here is my problem with that interpretation (my emphasis in CAPS, bold, red): As I mentioned earlier, if the LRC does not include OCPDs, then 110.26(E) would not apply, even though it may have switches to control lights.

I agree, no OCPD's it's not a panelboard by definition.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I understand how you see but I see it as the section includes buses AND automatic overcurrent devices, AND equipped with or without switches for the control of light

But the lighting control panel does not contain "automatic overcurrent devices". For the equipment to be a panelboard, it must contain all three of the devices listed in the definition.

 

[GoldDigger]

I understand how you see but I see it as the section includes buses AND automatic overcurrent devices, AND equipped with or without switches for the control of light

The "with or without" pretty much takes all the force out of the AND, since everything satisfies that condition. But the grammatical construction is clear: all three conditions must be met.
If that was not the intention, it would have been easy to use OR or "any if the following" instead.

 

[Smart $]

The "with or without" pretty much takes all the force out of the AND, since everything satisfies that condition. But the grammatical construction is clear: all three conditions must be met.
If that was not the intention, it would have been easy to use OR or "any if the following" instead.

"With or without" only takes the force out of the second "and". So only the preceding are required: buses and ocpds... and as I understand Charlie's query, the LRC has neither.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

But the lighting control panel does not contain "automatic overcurrent devices". For the equipment to be a panelboard, it must contain all three of the devices listed in the definition.

I understand Charlie's situation but I misread the statement. Where it said "and equipped" I read as "and equipment". Again I ain't no good at English as it is only my first language.