Accesible Branch Circuit Overcurrent ??

[jamesoftn]

In a commerical office building can the branch circuit overcurrent devices be behind locked doors?
Article 240.24
(A) Accesibility is so you can normally reach these with out assistance or needing a ladder.
(B) Occupancy. EACH occupant shall have ready access to all overcurrent devices.
My opinion of occupant is the group in general such such as the office manager. Others say all of the office workers need and require access to the panels.

 

[iwire]

In a commerical office building can the branch circuit overcurrent devices be behind locked doors?

Yes of course, it is done all the time.

Others say all of the office workers need and require access to the panels.

No the office workers are not required to have unlimited access to the breakers.

 

[ryan_618]

See 110.26(G).

 

[jamesoftn]

110.26 references qualifed persons which indicates they have training. 240.24 adresses each occupant. The question is what is the defintion of occupant?

 

[jamesoftn]

The question is " What is considered (Each) occupant as stated in 240.24.

 

[iwire]

From the 2008 ROP, it may help.

10-38 Log #2936 NEC-P10

Final Action: Reject

(240.24(B))


Submitter: Philip Simmons, Simmons Electrical Services

Recommendation: Revise existing 240.24(B) as follows:

(B) Occupancy. Each occupant shall have ready access to all overcurrent devices protecting the conductors supplying that occupancy. Enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by lock and key shall be considered accessible to qualified persons.

Exceptions to remain unchanged.

Substantiation: This is a companion proposal to delete the rule from 110.26 and add it to 230.92 and 240.24(B). 110.26 deals with access to working space about electrical equipment and does not apply to access to the equipment itself. It seems the provisions on electrical apparatus controlled by a lock and key would more properly be located in 230.92 and 240.24(B).

Many locations come to mind where electrical equipment is locked to prevent unauthorized access. These include schools, colleges, health care facilities, airport terminals and office buildings that are open to the public. These buildings often have either panelboards with locking covers or electrical equipment located in locked rooms. Electrical inspectors recognize the security that is needed in these and other facilities. Locating this rule with the sections that cover locks on equipment will improve the usability of the Code.

Panel Meeting Action: Reject

Panel Statement: The introductory sentence to 240.24(B) focuses on accessibility by each occupant. The subsequent exceptions also focus on each occupant. It is inappropriate and confusing to add this sentence dealing with qualified persons. Further, deleting this accessibility permission from110.26 and moving it to this article and 230.92 will place further restrictions on where a lock limits accessibility.

Number Eligible to Vote: 12

Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12

 

[jim dungar]

In a commerical office building can the branch circuit overcurrent devices be behind locked doors?
Article 240.24
(A) Accesibility is so you can normally reach these with out assistance or needing a ladder.
(B) Occupancy. EACH occupant shall have ready access to all overcurrent devices.
My opinion of occupant is the group in general such such as the office manager. Others say all of the office workers need and require access to the panels.

Don't forget 240.24(B) exception #1 which allows multiple occupancy buildings to have locked doors if there is continuous supervision.

The NEC definition of "Readily Accessible" does not preclude the use of locks to restrict access to equipment. In cases where locked doors are not acceptable the NEC uses the specific term "Accessible".