CO JW Renewal Exam Question

[vaznutz]

Okay, I'm getting my butt KICKED IN by question #8 on the Colorado JW Renewal Exam. Check it out:

8.) A plumbing pipe passing 66" above an indoor switchboard: (a) is permitted if a drip pan is installed over the switchboard. (b) is not permitted. (c) is only permitted above a suspended ceiling. (d) is permitted above NEMA 3R equipment

110.26 (F) (1) (a) basically says nothing can invade that space, INCLUDING "leak protection apparatus," thus eliminating (a) as an answer.

110.26 (F) (1) (b) basically contradicts (a). It says that foreign systems are okay if protection is installed to avoid damage to the electrical equipment.

I'm just blown away by this one.

Thanks,
Jason, The Power Connection INC.

 

[vaznutz]

Also, I'm having trouble finding any information in the code about NEMA 3R. I know it's in there! My boss thinks (d) is the answer. I would agree if I could read it in the code...

 

[Cavie]

110.26(F)(1)(b)

 

[vaznutz]

I agree that the answer SEEMS to be part (b), but look at part (a). Do they not contradict each other?

 

[stickboy1375]

no, because to even accept (b) you first have to be higher than 6' above the panel, then you can accept (b) if you install a drip pan...

All they are saying is NOTHING is to intrude 6' above the panel, but if after 6' something does, then you need to protect the equipment...

 

[vaznutz]

Dude, you're exactly right. My brain just wouldn't let me see it that way. Thanks.

 

[George Stolz]

I'd say they do constradict each other, which is contrary to the Manual of Style. The sub-sub-sections ( ) should be exceptions to the rule, since they do say the exact opposite. Maybe this will be cleared up some day.

 

[stickboy1375]

I dont feel they contradict each other at all, If you read (b) Foreign Systems, the first thing it says is above the dedicated space....

[edit] After rereading it about 50 times, I agree with George, should be an exception...

 

[Greg Swartz]

No contradiction

No contradiction

I don't see any contradiction.
a. Dedicated space
b. Foreign Systems. The area above...

No contradiction.

Greg

 

[charlie b]

I side with the ?no contradiction? group.

Part (a) defines ?dedicated space? as the box formed by the footprint of the equipment and the space up to six feet above the top of the equipment. No pipes are allowed in that space. Part (b) says you can put a pipe above that space, if you protect the gear. Those two articles are speaking about different sections of space.

Back to the original question. The answer is (B). The area in question is within the ?dedicated space,? since it is less than 72 inches above the gear. No pipes allowed. No exceptions for NEMA 3R gear.

 

[charlie b]

To that let me add that the “dedicated space” does not include the space above the “working space.” You know, the space in front of the gear, at least 30 inches wide, at least 36 inches deep (sometimes deeper). That space must be clear to at least 78 inches high. But you could put a pipe 79 inches above the working space; you don’t have to put the pipe 6 feet above the top of the equipment, nor do you need a drip dray, if the pipe is in front of the equipment (i.e., it is over the working space, and not over the equipment).