clearance in front of panels

[cmaki]

I understand that OSHA/NEC requires 36 inches in front of electrical equipment. I guess I'm just looking for a little clarification. the clearance is required for disconnects but what about equipment panels. Example. I have a cabinet with doors that houses the motor starters, overloads, VFDs and everything else to run the machine. There is a shutoff on the side of the cabinet that turns off some of the power but not all. Does the front (door side) of the cabinet need to keep the 36" clearance as well?

Side question. How does this apply to disconnects located 15 ft up? We have a series of bus bars (forgive me if this is not the correct word) that several disconnects each. What is the clearance required for these? Are there any considerations for equipment located on the ground below them?

 

[FionaZuppa]

i dont have answer, but you sparked a Q for me. whats the point of having a disco mounted so high nobody can reach it? as example, i saw at my local HD a disco (side mounted on/off arm) mounted ~20ft high on wall right next to the electric roll gate/door. if there's any issue how does anyone easily access the disco?

 

[cmaki]

we have a bunch of disco's mounted 15-20 feet up and the only way to get to them is our man lift which clearly states to keep away from electrical equipment. That or a ladder leaning against the bar. No thanks to the ladder. I disagree with the equipment here but the company cant afford to throw thousands at it to make it right either.

 

[RichB]

I worked in one place back east that used overhead buss work with stab on discos that fed equipment below with SOW drop cords with and with out twist locks. If you moved or installed a piece of equipment you just stabbed a disco in and were good to go

 

[John120/240]

i dont have answer, but you sparked a Q for me. whats the point of having a disco mounted so high nobody can reach it? as example, i saw at my local HD a disco (side mounted on/off arm) mounted ~20ft high on wall right next to the electric roll gate/door. if there's any issue how does anyone easily access the disco?

I have seen a closet rod with a hook fashioned out of stiff wire to operate bus mounted disconnects.

 

[jimdavis]

Based on the description of your "equipment panel", I would think the working clearances required by 110.26(A) apply. Also keep in mind that the depth of working clearance may be more than 36" depending on the system voltage and surrounding conditions. The required clearance could be as much as 48".

As to your question regarding busway switches, they are permitted to be at the same level as the busway as long as means are provided to operate them from the floor. Whether or not elevated equipment requires the same working clearances is open to interpretation. My personal opinion is that any equipment which would could need to be examined or tested while energized is subject to the requirements of 110.26(A).