Add a concrete step to reach a disconnect.

C

Charlypt

Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Electrician
We need to install a service disconnect, and the only available space is above another disconnect, but we're about 8 inches short of the required 6.7-inch height. Our idea is to add a concrete step to raise the floor in front of the disconnect.
The question is whether this step is sufficient just in front of the disconnect, or if it needs to be extended to cover all the existing equipment on that wall (meters, disconnects, panels). Also, is there a code that defines the required depth for this step.
 
My guess is that a service disconnect will need to comply with 110.26. I would make the step the size of your working space per 110.26 - more like a landing than a step. The NEC does not have "stable working platform" language in it like the I-codes do, but I think this is the best install.

If you can find a spot between two pieces of equipment to end the step, so that both the high disconnect and the equipment next to it each have a separate working space, I think that would be fine.

Charlypt said:
Also, is there a code that defines the required depth for this step.
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Depends on location. A step shouldn't be over 7" for commercial or 7 3/4" for residential. However, in a space that is not part of normal circulation, you could probably get away with up to 30" drop before you would need guardrails. Just call it a service platform instead of a step - the key is that it should be an area only accessed to work on the electrical equipment.
 
NEC Inspector said:
Depends on location. A step shouldn't be over 7" for commercial or 7 3/4" for residential. However, in a space that is not part of normal circulation, you could probably get away with up to 30" drop before you would need guardrails. Just call it a service platform instead of a step - the key is that it should be an area only accessed to work on the electrical equipment.
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Plant I did work at had to replace a little platform like that in an electrical room, but I'm pretty sure that was an OSHA thing because they also had to replace a couple little steps and platforms that had nothing to do with electrical.
 
Charlypt said:
We need to install a service disconnect, and the only available space is above another disconnect, but we're about 8 inches short of the required 6.7-inch height. Our idea is to add a concrete step to raise the floor in front of the disconnect.
The question is whether this step is sufficient just in front of the disconnect, or if it needs to be extended to cover all the existing equipment on that wall (meters, disconnects, panels). Also, is there a code that defines the required depth for this step.
Click to expand...
The step does not need to cover all equipment on the same wall. However it should be 30" wide and 36" deep in front of the new service disconnect, otherwise it either doesn't provide the required working space or is a partial obstruction of it. And, ideally the edge of the step should not be right below a piece of equipment containing overcurrent devices. (240.24(F)). Basically, if you can create a raised 'landing' that provides working space for the new disconnect and equipment below it, without interfering with the working space of any equipment next to it, you're meeting the letter and spirit.
 
We had an inspector hit us for that on a generator install, the main on the generator was too high. I bought an RV platform step to set in front of it. Inspector was happy.
 
NEC Inspector said:
The NEC does not have "stable working platform" language in it like the I-codes do, but I think this is the best install.
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Not exactly "stable working platform" language, but starting in 2023, 110.26(A)(6) does require the working space to be "as level and flat as practical for the entire required depth and width of the working space."

Regardless, I think it has always been necessary to make any platform the full width and depth of the working space, and as Ben pointed out 240.24(F) is applicable if there is an overcurrent device.

One thing to look out for is if any adjacent equipment is sharing working space with the existing disconnect. If adding the platform would leave the adjacent equipment with less than 30" width of flat ground in front of them then you may have to make the platform larger to cover the adjacent working space. Same thing with opposing equipment on the opposite wall.
 
Safety department is probably going to want handrails even if they are not required. Fall risk mitigation has been really ramped up for like the past 5 or 6 years.

at least yellow paint and those anti-slip pads that you glue on. lol
 
Joethemechanic said:
Safety department is probably going to want handrails even if they are not required. Fall risk mitigation has been really ramped up for like the past 5 or 6 years.

at least yellow paint and those anti-slip pads that you glue on. lol
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The ones for RV’s have a hand rail built into them. That’s why I chose it for the generator.
 
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