Dedicated Electrical Space ABOVE equipment

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doninindy

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We have an issue on a project, where the subcontractors did not coordinate the installation of a piece of supply air ductwork above an MDP.

The code very specifically requires 6' above as dedicated space with no foreign systems allowed to penetrate. It also indicates in 110.26 (F)(1)(b) that "...the area ABOVE the dedicated space shall be permitted to contain foreign systems..." i.e. the ductwork.

The ductwork is about 3' above the left 1/3 of Panel MDP.

The code also reference a structural ceiling in 110.26 (F)(1)(a) - could we blukhead around the ductwork with a drywall ceiling - and continue this ceiling through the remainder of the space (if required or desired by the architect)?

2 questions - 1) do you guys interprate the use of ABOVE as above 6' or can we shield the ductwork if lower and 2) does the drywall installation count as a structural ceiling?

Any help or comment would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

Donald E. Spencer, P.E.
 
The space directly above the panel is supposed to be reserved for installation of conduit. From the top of the panel, the next six feet upwards cannot have any ductwork. You could have a duct seven feet above the top of the panel, if there were a drip shield between the duct and the top of the panel. Since in your case the duct is less than six feet above the top of the panel, you do have a violation on your hands.

If you wish to build a structural ceiling above the panel, then you could make this compliant. But I don't think a layer of drywall would count as a "structural ceiling." I think it would have to be a load-bearing element, something that provides some structural strength to the room or to the building, in order to be allowed within the six foot "dedicated space."
 
charlie b said:
... If you wish to build a structural ceiling above the panel, then you could make this compliant. But I don't think a layer of drywall would count as a "structural ceiling." I think it would have to be a load-bearing element, something that provides some structural strength to the room or to the building, in order to be allowed within the six foot "dedicated space."
Click to expand...
Becareful here...if what you are saying is correct, then you cannot install a panel in a room with a drop ceiling unless it is 6' or more above the top of the panel.
 
No problem there, Don. There is an exception that allows a suspended ceiling, with removable panels, to be less than six feet above the top of the panel. But that would not qualify as a "structural ceiling." Thus, if you put a suspended ceiling three feet above the panel, you could not have a duct running directly over the panel, one foot above that ceiling.
 
1st - 110.26(E) - as long as the headroom (6'6") has been met when the new ceiling is constructed....

Then the next question would be is a bulkhead, dropped ceiling, or soffit or what ever else you want to refer to it as: Is it structural?

That question, in my opinion is not to be answered by an electrical inspector.

So let me put on my other hat.;)

Structural is not defined by the IBC or the IRC (2006 here)...
Structure is defined ...That which is built or constructed...Doesnt help

From dictionary.com
Structural as it pertains to Building Trades.
a. a part of a structure that carries a load.
b. the structural member used for such a part.
Oh, that clears it all up...;)

Does the ceiling rafter span carry the sheet-rock load?

I think after all that, it ends up being an AHJ call. So call him/her...
 
Thanks for the input...I too think it is a question for the inspector, however, I would rather not pose it to him - ;)

...so we are moving the ductwork - it is the least painful and least expensive thing to do...lesson learned.

Thanks again.
 
Charlie,
I guess I should read the exceptions before posting, but I don't see an exception that permits a recessed panel:D
 
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