110.26(F)(1)(a) ? ?Foreign?

[charlie b]

Can an electrical item be considered ?foreign? to an electrical installation?

Situation: Three transformers are in a vault that is next to the main electrical room. Bus duct will be used to connect three network protectors to the main switchboard?s main breaker. Space is limited. At the moment, I am showing an ATS and a Distribution Panel on the electrical room wall, and the path of the bus duct goes right over them.

Is this a violation of 110.26(F)(1)(a)? The last sentence of that paragraph says, ?. . . no OTHER (my emphasis) equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this space.? When you are talking about the Distribution Panel, would the bus duct be considered ?foreign? to its installation? Am I going to have to shuffle some things around?

 

[charlie]

In my opinion, the intent (BTW, intent is not part of the code and intent can not be enforced) is to keep the space above electrical equipment clear so additional runs from that equipment may be made. You have violated the intent but you have not violated the code. I believe you should (I didn't use shall) reconfigure the bus duct to open up the area above the distribution panelboard. I would not be concerned about the ATS after it is installed. :smile:

 

[steve66]

As the electrical designer, I think the Code allows you to use the electrical space however you choose (as long as it's for electrical items, of course.) You should have a good idea how much room needs left above the panel for future conduits and runs. And it is in your best intrest to leave this much room available. So I think you are free to run a bus duct over the panel if you don't think it will really encroach on the space needed in the future.

Steve

 

[infinity]

I see this situation often when transformers are hung above electrical panels in small electrical closets. If the transformer is above a panel but not connected to it is it then considered foreign?

 

[charlie b]

I see this situation often when transformers are hung above electrical panels in small electrical closets. If the transformer is above a panel but not connected to it is it then considered foreign?

I see that too. But I see a difference between that situation and the one I described. In your example, the transformer feeds the panel, so it is easier to say that the one is not foreign to the other. In my example, the panel is several steps downstream of the bus duct, so it is not clear whether the two are foreign to each other.

Thanks for the comments. I think I can run the bus duct over the ATS, and stay clear of the panel, so as to eliminate the issue of dedicated space.

 

[cowboyjwc]

As the electrical designer, I think the Code allows you to use the electrical space however you choose (as long as it's for electrical items, of course.) You should have a good idea how much room needs left above the panel for future conduits and runs. And it is in your best intrest to leave this much room available. So I think you are free to run a bus duct over the panel if you don't think it will really encroach on the space needed in the future.

Steve

I would agree with Steve on this. I think foreign to the electrical system would be something that's not electrical.

 

[infinity]

In your example, the transformer feeds the panel, so it is easier to say that the one is not foreign to the other. In my example, the panel is several steps downstream of the bus duct, so it is not clear whether the two are foreign to each other.

Actually in my example the transformer is above the panel but not connected to it so is it therefore foreign too?

 

[benaround]

Just use parts that are 'made in the USA' simple.

 

[C3PO]

I agree with Charlie E. Technically per code it would be ok but the intent is probablly just equipment directly associated with the panel.