Access to Working Space

[charlie b]

That definition suggests an entrance requires a door or gate.

That suggestion would not apply to the context of 110.26(C)(1). Consider a panel installed outdoors on the side of a building. The working space will be 30" x 36". But the entrance to the working space is virtually infinite, and you don't have to pass through a door to get there.

I am at a bit of a quandary here, or would be if I were the AHJ and this was presented to me after installation. I would not fail the installation on the basis of 240.24. I think this meets the definition of readily accessible. I might consider failing it on the basis of 110.26(C)(1). I'm just glad I am not the AHJ on this one.

 

[luckylerado]

NEC requires Egress from the working space regardless of max current. Egress from a building code / life safety code standpoint is by definition continuous and unobstructed.

NFPA 101 Definitions

3.3.172* MeansofEgress. A continuous and unobstructed way
of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way
consisting of three separate and distinct parts: (1) the exit access,
(2) the exit, and (3) the exit discharge. (SAF-MEA)

 

[petersonra]

That suggestion would not apply to the context of 110.26(C)(1). Consider a panel installed outdoors on the side of a building. The working space will be 30" x 36". But the entrance to the working space is virtually infinite, and you don't have to pass through a door to get there.

I am at a bit of a quandary here, or would be if I were the AHJ and this was presented to me after installation. I would not fail the installation on the basis of 240.24. I think this meets the definition of readily accessible. I might consider failing it on the basis of 110.26(C)(1). I'm just glad I am not the AHJ on this one.

I think the fact that none of us is sure if this is a code violation suggests it probably is not, or at least should not be considered to be one short of something else being in the mix not yet considered.

 

[luckylerado]

...none of us is sure if this is a code violation suggests it probably is not...

I am pretty sure.:happyyes: