2020 NEC 110.26(A): Can 12 inch deep ESS installed on a wall of a 3ft wide walkway?

F

fandi

Senior Member
Location
Los Angeles
Occupation
Electrical Engineer
Hello All,
110.26(A) states that 3ft working clearance is required for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. Well, ESS (Energy Storage System) is 'set it and forget it' installation and no examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized in the field. If there's anything wrong with it, the ESS is likely sent back to the manufacturer. So my question is: Can 12 inch deep ESS installed on a wall of a 3ft wide exterior walkway? This walkway is on a side of a residential house.
Thank you.
 
fandi said:
Hello All,
110.26(A) states that 3ft working clearance is required for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. Well, ESS (Energy Storage System) is 'set it and forget it' installation and no examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized in the field. If there's anything wrong with it, the ESS is likely sent back to the manufacturer. So my question is: Can 12 inch deep ESS installed on a wall of a 3ft wide exterior walkway? This walkway is on a side of a residential house.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
If there is 36 inches of working space in front of the 12 inch deep ESS, it should be ok, even if it is not paved walkway, like if it is grass surface.
 
solarken said:
If there is 36 inches of working space in front of the 12 inch deep ESS, it should be ok, even if it is not paved walkway, like if it is grass surface.
Click to expand...
If there is an elevation change between the sidewalk and the grass or other surface beyond the sidewalk, there could be an issue with the new language in 110.26(A)(6) in the 2023 code.
(6) Grade, Floor, or Working Platform.

The grade, floor, or platform in the required working space shall be kept clear, and the floor, grade, or platform in the working space shall be as level and flat as practical for the entire required depth and width of the working space.
Click to expand...
 
solarken said:
If there is 36 inches of working space in front of the 12 inch deep ESS, it should be ok, even if it is not paved walkway, like if it is grass surface.
Click to expand...
He says that the walkway is 36" wide and the equipment is 12" deep; it doesn't sound to me that it will fly. I am assuming that there is another wall across the walkway, though.
 
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