clearance for j boxes

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

If a service recep fell behind the compressor and there is 5 in.clearance about 8 in below the top of the comp and an extension box is used to a bell box with recp. is this a violation??? I was able to open the j box.Inspector says no.

 

[gregory]

Re: clearance for j boxes

110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

I think that your receptacle needs to be accessable by a 2 foot wide path to the receptacle. It should be within sight, and you should not have to lean over the compressor to get to it. I thought that compressors needed to be at least 12 inches from obstructions for air circulation.

 

[iwire]

Re: clearance for j boxes

IMO I do not think you have to (or should try ) to apply 110.26 to receptacle outlets.

If we did apply 110.26 to receptacle outlets, that would mean counter top receptacles are in violation.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: clearance for j boxes

It isn`t the receptacle that is in question here.The a/c comp.is wall mounted on a bracket.The service receptacle wound up behind it.Trim man used a WP ext.box carflexed 1 ft above the compressor to a surface mount bell box and installed the recep and inuse cover.When walking the final,Inspector asked how is that box accesible.I was able to open it and get at connections,but he says not good enough.I contend that there is no equiptment in the J box so how does 110.26 apply

 

[pierre]

Re: clearance for j boxes

The first paragraph of 110.26:
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric EQUIPMENT to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such EQUIPMENT.

Article 100 - 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.

The first general paragraph of 110.26 and the definition would seem to substantiate the inspector's decision. Who wants to come back later and have to work on the wiring behind the compressor.
110.26 is one of the few requirements in the NEC that protects the electrician, we should be glad it is there.

Pierre

 

[iwire]

Re: clearance for j boxes

Pierre you seemed to selectively leave out a key part of 110.26.

likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized

Your interpretation would require the full working space around every piece of electric equipment.

You can not apply 110.26 to a common junction box.

Of course this is just my opinion it is the AHJs opinion that matters.

[ March 28, 2004, 07:51 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[iwire]

Re: clearance for j boxes

Pierre I apologize.

I did not notice you where talking about 110.26 I assumed

Now the question becomes what is "sufficient" if Alan opened it there must be sufficient space.

Bob

 

[russ]

Re: clearance for j boxes

It may not be convenient, but it sounds like it is accessible (314.29).
Geez!, how accessible is the junction box on a recess fixture.

[ March 28, 2004, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: russ ]

 

[pierre]

Re: clearance for j boxes

Those are good points, I was just stirring the 'post' . Remember, that 110.26 protects us.
Bob, I am glad to see how you picked up on the 1st paragraph of 110.26. Would you really want to work over, around or behind the compressor? I say it would be nice to have it to the side, but I know how plans change as the job goes along.

Pierre

 

[iwire]

Re: clearance for j boxes

Originally posted by russ:
It may not be convenient, but it sounds like it is accessible (314.29).
Geez!, how accessible is the junction box on a recess fixture.

That was exactly the place I was going next. , but I should have picked another line of work if I did not want to struggle sometimes.

Bob

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: clearance for j boxes

I had the box moved above the a/c unit and called for reinspection.Same inspector came,he passed the fix,but I asked him if that was not accessible then how is j box for a wall oven any different.It has to be removed for the box to be accesible.What was the difference????He couldn't answer me just laughed a bit and said good point.