another question about the space above a 480v mcc panel

[1965mt]

I am looking for verification of a comment that I cannot build a platform directly above an electrical panel. The code is somewhat interpretive on this point.(to me)
This would be the same as installing a 480v mcc cabinet under a walkway

 

[infinity]

You need 6' of dedicated space above the MCC in the footprint of the MCC.

 

[petersonra]

You need 6' of dedicated space above the MCC in the footprint of the MCC.

That is not what the code requires.

The code says this:

110.26
(E) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, switchgear,
panelboards, and motor control centers shall be located in
dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
(1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with 110.26(E)
(1)(a) through (E)(1)(d).
(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the width
and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a
height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural
ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical
installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or
other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be
located in this zone.

I don't see how a platform is "equipment". While it might be a good idea to leave that space open, I am not sure how you enforce it the way the code is written.

 

[kwired]

That is not what the code requires.

The code says this:


I don't see how a platform is "equipment". While it might be a good idea to leave that space open, I am not sure how you enforce it the way the code is written.

Put some walls under the "platform" to make an "electrical room" to contain the MCC and now that same platform is the structural ceiling of that room.

 

[infinity]

That is not what the code requires.

The code says this:


I don't see how a platform is "equipment". While it might be a good idea to leave that space open, I am not sure how you enforce it the way the code is written.

That depends on where you get your definition of equipment.

Dictionary.com
[h=1]equipment[/h]Noun

• anything kept, furnished, or provided for a specific purpose.

 

[petersonra]

That depends on where you get your definition of equipment.

Since the code specifically defines it we do not need to go to an outside source.

Equipment. A general term, including fittings, devices, appliances,
luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a
part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.

No platforms there.

 

[infinity]

I don't see how that Article 100 definition of equipment fits into any of the requirement in 110.26(E)(1)(a). The article 100 definition of equipment states that it's "used as a part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation". Nothing prohibited in the dedicated equipment space in 110.26(E)(1)(a) has to do with the electrical installation so the Article 100 definition is not applicable.

110.26(E)(1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with
110.26(E)(1)(a) through (E)(1)(d).
(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the equipment and extending from the
floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to
the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated
to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protec-
tion apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical
installation shall be located in this zone.

Equipment. A general term, including fittings, devices, appli-
ances, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the like used as a
part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.