cover or doors on panels , MDP , etc.

[69jag]

I have been told by an osha inspector that all panels , MDP , etc need to have doors on them if this is the case why did my 1200 amp MDP just come with no doors ? yes it is Nema 1 indoor ! do lighting and branch circuit panel require doors ? if so why then do I have lighting panel without doors ? they are approx 12 years old please provide any code articles if reference to this issue so the next time osha comes to visit I can clarify this issue. And Thanks

 

[jim dungar]

No it is not a general requirement that all panels have "doors".

 

[tshea]

OSHA "inspected" a customer. Air compressor was <20' from circuit breaker panel with NO obstructions. OSHA wanted a locking disconnect. I proposed a lockout device for the breaker. OSHA inspector wanted a disconnect. I showed him in NEC, he still wanted a disconnect by compressor saying OSHA takes precedence over NEC. My customer said, OK We'll install disconnect."


I think some of the OSHA inspectors have too much to look at and are not proficient in ALL the rules.

 

[jim dungar]

The NEC is a minimum requirement. Of course, any more restrictive applicable regulation would "take precedence".

 

[iwire]

The NEC is a minimum requirement. Of course, any more restrictive applicable regulation would "take precedence".

Agreed, however the OSHA electrical standards are ripped right out of the NEC in many instances word for word.

2002 NEC

430.102(B) Motor. A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location. The disconnecting means required in accordance with 430.102(A) shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means for the motor if it is located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location.

OSHA

1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(A)

A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the controller location. However, a single disconnecting means may be located adjacent to a group of coordinated controllers mounted adjacent to each other on a multi-motor continuous process machine. The controller disconnecting means for motor branch circuits over 600 volts, nominal, may be out of sight of the controller, if the controller is marked with a warning label giving the location and identification of the disconnecting means which is to be locked in the open position.

1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(B)

The disconnecting means shall disconnect the motor and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors and shall be so designed that no pole can be operated independently.

Not much difference really.

It goes on further to say

1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(A)

A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the controller location. However, a single disconnecting means may be located adjacent to a group of coordinated controllers mounted adjacent to each other on a multi-motor continuous process machine. The controller disconnecting means for motor branch circuits over 600 volts, nominal, may be out of sight of the controller, if the controller is marked with a warning label giving the location and identification of the disconnecting means which is to be locked in the open position.

1910.305(j)(4)(ii)(B)

The disconnecting means shall disconnect the motor and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors and shall be so designed that no pole can be operated independently.

IMO these OSHA inspectors are mistaken.

 

[jim dungar]

Bob,

I know OSHA will also cite any "consensus standard" they feel is applicable. My point is that OSHA does take precedence over the NEC if their rules are more stringent.

As far as the OP, it is possible that the OSHA inspector had other reasons for not accepting that breaker as a disconnect.

 

[tshea]

Bob,

... it is possible that the OSHA inspector had other reasons for not accepting that breaker as a disconnect.

The inspector was a young guy, wet behind the ears. I showed him the NEC and he said nope need a disconnect. Customer didn't want to take it any furthur and told me install a disconnect!