I would like to run a conduit vertically next to an emergency shutoff for industrial equipment. The space I have available is tight so unless I can figure out another alignment I'll need to be within 30" of the work zone width. However, do I need to worry about the workzone for a switch? 110.26 says if the equipment is not likely to require maintenance I can ignore clearances.
Clearance for a Emergency Shutoff?
- Thread starter Hobbyist
- Start date
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Such clearance requirements would be more from any safety standard that may apply. NEC doesn't really address this specific situation.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
I see 110.26(A) applying to pretty much all equipment. However, if the conduit does not stick out past the front of the equipment, it is not a violation even if it is within the 30" width.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Where "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized".
I can't think of anything in NEC requiring this clearance for an "emergency shutoff" as a general rule. Could be specific instances in chapter 5 or 6, as well as situations where the switch may be required to be accessible from specific equipment or even readily accessible in certain situations but can't think of anything that would require it to have 110.26 clearance other than if deemed likely require mentioned examination, adjustment, service or maintenance while energized.
OSHA and/or other safety standards could require certain clearance in certain applications to accessing a shutdown method for a machine or process, this more about hazards other then electrical hazards on this one.
110.26 is about working clearance not operating clearance, which can be differferent for service people than for regular operators.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
It is very likely to require examination while energized....one of the first places a trouble shooter will check for power when the equipment is not functioning.
It would get a red tag from me and from most inspectors that I know.
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Then pretty much all other switches need 110.26 clearance as well. Even some limit switch buried deep inside some equipment could be the one thing keeping if from running. NEC is pretty vague on what this actually applies to though. From a pretty strict perspective a junction box with splices in it is a place you may check for voltage or current as well and could require working clearance. Many AHJ's limit the requirement to things containing overcurrent protection, relays starters etc. Some of those even may not always comply when part of a listed piece of equipment either though.