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jga5150

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I have a NEMA 7 j-box installed on a air compressor skid & there is a pipe that runs right infront of the box/cover. What is the work space I need to have in front of the box per code? The box has NO hinges, just bolts. I was told if the box has hinges, it must swing 90 degrees minimum per code

Thanks
 
first question to ask yourself: is it subject to be worked on while energized ?
If it's purely a junction box, then no specific clearances are needed as long as it's accessible.
 
It currently has a motor starter inside & an E-stop button on the cover. I can move the E-stop elsewhere on the skid or to another box. So if it is now "just" a j-box & I can remove the cover, is that all the clearance/access I need per code?
 
If the motor starter remains in the box, all of the inspectors I know would require it to meet Art 110.26.
 
sorry for my ignorance but what is that...Art 110.26???? Point me in the direction to find that out, please
 
To recap my ?? from yesterday that augie47 helped me with, I have a small NEMA 7 (hinged) box w/starter, E-stop, etc. The cover has run light & red mushroom button for E-stop. OSHA inspector says door doesn't swing 90 deg because of piping obstruction so box or components need to be moved for proper work spacing.

Per Art 110.26 A, it says ".......to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply w/110.26 A1, A2, & A3. What if it is not energized? Can I leave as is?? I need to advise customer how we will fix & I would like to cite an NEC code to help.....any ideas??
 
It sounds like you have a design problem. May I suggest you decide if it's easier to move the pipe or relocate the controller. Even if you could find a code that allowed you to leave it as is, if I was the customer, I would not be pleased. These days you can't afford to have a dissatisfied customer.

Good luck.
 
jga5150 said:
To recap my ?? from yesterday that augie47 helped me with, I have a small NEMA 7 (hinged) box w/starter, E-stop, etc. The cover has run light & red mushroom button for E-stop. OSHA inspector says door doesn't swing 90 deg because of piping obstruction so box or components need to be moved for proper work spacing.

Per Art 110.26 A, it says ".......to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply w/110.26 A1, A2, & A3. What if it is not energized? Can I leave as is?? I need to advise customer how we will fix & I would like to cite an NEC code to help.....any ideas??
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Assume for a moment that you are the electrician called to troubleshoot the compressor which won't run. In performing this troubleshooting do you no think you could possibly find it necessary to check power to the contactor, to the control circuit, etc.
From an inspectors point of view, there is an extreme high probability that someone will need to check power, etc. in that box WHILE ENERGIZED and it is likely that the inspector will require 110.26 clearances for safety.
 
Thnaks for the quick reply. The piping can not be changed @ this point. I want to remove the starter & E-stop from the box, blank the holes & add a smaller aux box somewhere else on the skid w/access for serviceability. My next ?? is, now I have a plain J-box (terminals only) w/a pipe in front of it....I think my customer will ??? me on that too. Is that OK by code & if so, can oyu help me w/the Art # for it.
 
jga5150 said:
The piping can not be changed @ this point.
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Cannot? Or just it's too much of a pain?
I want to remove the starter & E-stop from the box, blank the holes & add a smaller aux box somewhere else on the skid w/access for serviceability.
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Why not just change out the conductors from the starter to the motor and pressure switch and be done with it? Make it look like a well planned classy piece of equipment instead of something that got pieced together a step at a time.
My next ?? is, now I have a plain J-box (terminals only) w/a pipe in front of it....I think my customer will ??? me on that too.
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That's even more reason to do it better than minimum.
Is that OK by code & if so, can oyu help me w/the Art # for it.
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Code is the minimum. You won't get another chance to impress your customer. You might not make money on this one, but by trying to squeak by you take the chance of really irritating your customer and all that will do in the long run is cost you money. A lot more than you would spend now to make this thing look great.

Good luck.
 
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