Re: dedicated electrical space
iwire:
Opposite exterior side of a WALL is one thing, a box containing a panel installed within a wall cavity is something else. Especially as the original post describes the plumbing serving a shower-head and related plumbing within this wall CAVITY. Therefore it does, see complete citations list referenced. A shower WALL is frequently WASHED (the cascade of water falling upon same during operation of SHOWER, it is similarly washed during CLEANING of same with caustic, acidic and other corrosive to electrical systems chemicals, often rinsed yet again (washed) with clear water to neutralize same. Generally controls for a SHOWER HEAD, assuming its penetration to the back side of this wall cavity is ABOVE SIX FEET, are often by practical experience, and a HOST OF other related model plumbing, building, etc. codes, accessible from a height of far-less than SIX FEET. The presence of the shower wall on the backside of this wall cavity and ESPECIALLY the presence of foreign systems in same - preclude the use of a cut-out/cabinet containing electrical system panel board installed WITHIN same. Wall mount if applicable or offset 1/2 in. is required of the panel box from the WALL, not within the wall cavity. I have already cited where the NEC defines this.
"Does the article 110.26(F)(1) pertain to foreign systems inside a wall cavity. I have a house with a recessed panel that opens out to a kitchen. It shares a wall with a bathroom. The original installers put the shower head and other assorted plumbing in this same bay as the panel. Is this legal. I thought at first it was, but I'm having seconded thoughts.....would really like to make sure thanks."
Answer to poster: YES it applies, furthermore any electrical equipment must be protected as per list provided previously.
110.26(F) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, panel-boards, distribution boards, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
110.26(F)(1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with 110.26(F)(1)(a) through (F)(1)(d).
110.26(F)(1)(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.8m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this zone.
110.26(F)(1)(b) Foreign systems. The area above the dedicated space required by 110.26(F)(1)(a) shall be permitted to contain foreign systems, provided protection is installed to avoid damage to the electrical equipment from condensation, leaks, or breaks in such foreign systems.
Note: there is no provision for an exception for foreign systems to be adjacent to the area of dedicated electrical space defined by 110.26(F)(1)(a). (1)(a) and (1)(b) are simply to provide for that area that may exist above 6 ft but below the ceiling WHEN PROTECTION has been installed at/above this 6 ft clearance, that that area above SAME may be used/contain foreign systems. If there is no "structural ceiling" the limit is 6 feet. If the wall partition sole plate is upon STRUCTURAL FLOOR, the "new floor" for the "space" begins at the top of the plate.
I fear that Charlie B made 2 essential errors when he said: "110.26(A)(1) tells me that for an enclosed panel (like the one under discussion), the working space begins at the front of the panel, not the back.
110.26(A)(1)(a) tells me that I don't need working space on the sides of this panel.
From these two, I infer that the pipes are not within the required working space.
110.26(F)(1)(a) tells me that the space directly above and below the panel (but not necessarily to the side of the panel), from floor to ceiling (including within the wall, since the panel is recessed), cannot have pipes.
From this I infer that the water pipe for the shower head can run vertically, from floor to the height of the shower head, within the wall cavity and to the side of the panel. The fact that this may take away room that you might want to use for future conduits means nothing.
I conclude that this is code compliant."
One being failing to consider ALL of Section I of Article 110 in its entirety, especially 110.1, 110.3, 110.11, and 110.12 in his interpretation of this issue; and the second being what 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment. actually says, which is: "Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment...."
Edited to correct consitant keystroke errors when meaning to refer to 110.26 and typed 110.36 in error (kept missing the "2").
[ January 01, 2006, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: lesliek ]
