110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.

[cripple]

I would like for soon one to clarify the working clearances requirements for fusible and non-fusible disconnects, especially the height of the working space per 110.26(A)(3).
110.26 requires sufficient access and working space to be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.
110.26(A) clearly state the requirements for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energize, and (1) requires the depth of the working space not to be less than that specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of 110.26(A)(1)(a), (A)(1)(b), or (A)(1)(c) are met.
110.26(A)(3) requires the height of the working space to be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). But when I go to 11026.(E) the minimum headroom of working space is only required for service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers. Does this mean that the headroom is not required control panel, starter, and disconnecting means?

 

[augie47]

good question.
In my opinion, 110.16(F)-exception may hold some clue. I've seen a lot of disconnects, starters, etc. located adjacent to equipment where the headroom 110.26(E) was not available.
Honestly never gave it much thought Code-wise as it seems to have been acceptd practice in these parts.
Be interesting to see others' comments.

 

[iwire]

Just thinking out loud here.

I think that when it is possible most AHJs, Inspectors, Electricians and apprentices would want all the rules in 110.26 to apply to all disconnecting means.

That said the reality is often disconnects need to be placed in areas near the equipment they serve and there is no space available to meet all the 110.26 requirements so we do the best we can.

For example HVAC equipment located above suspended ceilings require disconnecting means and while there are NEC allowances for the height a disconnect is mounted there is no exception for the clear space requirement. Both the ceiling grid and often the building furnishings under the disconnects violate 110.26 rules.

So what I am saying is ........ it's often a judgment call.