According to 110.26, the specified working distance must be maintained clear around any piece of electrical equipment that is likely to require examination,adjustment, servicing or maintenance. It seems clear that nothing can be stored there; however, what really constitutes a piece of equipment that falls under this requirement? The definition of equipment in Article 100 is very inclusive. It seems like equipment such as a light switch or an outlet would fall in this category if it was taken to the letter. The other question is: "Who can define likely?" Any coments on this
Clearance around electrical equipment
- Thread starter WDGILBERT
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barbeer
Senior Member
- Location
- Pinellas County, FL
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A light switch is not equipment IMHO.
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
I believe that we've had this conversation before and I don't believe that we came to a conclusion.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
reminds me of "likely to become energized".WDGILBERT said:
note that 110.26 does not say anything at all about a piece of electrical equipment needing to be operated.
I don't see how a light switch is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance.
OSHA might help
OSHA might help
When I do inspections and have the pleasure of walking with the OSHA inspector it is basically storage in clearance zones for power panels, discounts and the like. but I have never had an outlet or a light switch be an issue unless you are switching from the breaker panel.
OSHA might help
When I do inspections and have the pleasure of walking with the OSHA inspector it is basically storage in clearance zones for power panels, discounts and the like. but I have never had an outlet or a light switch be an issue unless you are switching from the breaker panel.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
barbeer said:
Then what is it?
A light switch is equipment as defined by Article 100.
I agree with Petersonra,
I don't believe that a light switch is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance.
Chris
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
I disagree. Neither the definition of equipment nor any definition related to switches ties the two together.raider1 said:
I think most would agree that switchgear, switchboards, and panelboards will require working clearance. I think most would agree that switches and outlets do not. The disagreements are likely to start coming to light (sorry about that
) when you start talking about VFDs, disconnect switches, enclosed circuit breakers, and generally anything that is not "bigger than a bread box."
- Location
- Logan, Utah
charlie b said:
I disagree. Neither the definition of equipment nor any definition related to switches ties the two together.
I think most would agree that switchgear, switchboards, and panelboards will require working clearance. I think most would agree that switches and outlets do not. The disagreements are likely to start coming to light (sorry about that
Charlie, I think you might have misunderstood my point. I stated that a switch is "equipment" as defined in Article 100, which I believe it is, here is the definition:
Equipment. A general term including material, fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and the like used as part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
I don't believe that a switch is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, so the working space requirements don't apply to a switch.
Chris
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
charlie b said:
I think you should submit this for 2011. :grin:
joe tedesco
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, Massachusetts
NEC Style Manual Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms
NEC Style Manual Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms
Vague and undefined term, see the NEC Style Manual
NEC Style Manual Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms
WDGILBERT said:
Vague and undefined term, see the NEC Style Manual
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
This is an issue that the code panel refuses to address. A switch is electrical equipment and if the item controlled by the switch is not working, it is very likely that the switch will require examination while energized. The rule in 110.26 needs to specify types of equipment. As it stands now, the installation of the receptacles required by 210.52(C) is a violation of 110.26.
Note: it is my opinion that all electrical equipment will require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized at some point in time and therefore 110.26 applies to all electrical equipment.
Don
Note: it is my opinion that all electrical equipment will require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized at some point in time and therefore 110.26 applies to all electrical equipment.
Don
chris kennedy
Senior Member
- Location
- Miami Fla.
- Occupation
- 60 yr old tool twisting electrician
I couldn't agree more.don_resqcapt19 said:
Ever run into a panel that is next to door hinges? This panel requires examination, adjustment,....ect. Thats the only time I can say I get nervous.
Close the door, start your work and pray nobody opens the door and slams you and your tools into the PNL.
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