Clearance around electrical equipment

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WDGILBERT

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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
 
WDGILBERT said:
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
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reminds me of "likely to become energized".

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.
 
barbeer said:


A light switch is not equipment IMHO.
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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
 
raider1 said:
A light switch is equipment as defined by Article 100.
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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 :rolleyes: ) when you start talking about VFDs, disconnect switches, enclosed circuit breakers, and generally anything that is not "bigger than a bread box."
 
My real issue is small cabinets, disconnects etc. that are smaller than a breadbox and wouldn't normally need servicing live, but could.
 
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 :rolleyes: ) when you start talking about VFDs, disconnect switches, enclosed circuit breakers, and generally anything that is not "bigger than a bread box."
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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
 
NEC Style Manual Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms

NEC Style Manual Table 3.2.1 Possibly Unenforceable and Vague Terms

WDGILBERT said:
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
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Vague and undefined term, see the NEC Style Manual
 
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
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
This is an issue that the code panel refuses to address.
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
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I couldn't agree more.

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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