Dedicated Space and Control Panels

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georgeshall

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I have a situation where there is an HVAC duct running along a wall that I want to use to mount a control panel to. The duct is directly above where I want to mount the control panel and would be less than 6' above the top of the control panel.
There are a couple of 120V circuits feeding the control panel.
NEC article 110.26(F) does not mention control panels, but I was told by an engineer that it does not matter and that I cannot mount the control panel below the duct.
Is this correct?
 
(F) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, panelboards,
distribution boards, and motor control centers shall be
located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.
Exception: Control equipment that by its very nature or
because of other rules of the Code must be adjacent to or
within sight of its operating machinery shall be permitted
in those locations.

In regards to the Exception above....regardless I would not think the exception would apply regardless unless the control equipment is being mounted on the duct for the reasoning of location for the things being controlled in that center...and it was not said so exception would probably not apply ether way......But don answers is better below.
 
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I don't agree that a control panel is covered by the 110.26(F). The rule is specific in its coverage and control panels are not listed. It is not a general rule that covers all electrical equipment as found in the first part of 110.26.
 
OP Define the original intent of the panel itself. Are you calling it a control panel and what is it listed as by the engineer. Is it entirely possibly he is calling it a control panel and the engineer is calling it something covered under th specifics of the article.


If you are dealing with only a control panel in nature then don is 100% right on, what I was saying is make sure your engineer is on the same page and not thinking what you are installing is a distribution panel or similar which may be what is causing his confusion.

Possibly the engineer has in his mind an electrical panel is being installed and not a control panel........what is actually controlled from this panel?
 
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Maybe I have been reading more into this section then I should have been. I see where 110.26(F) states switchboards, panelboards,
distribution boards, and motor control centers only. The exception however specifically applies to control equipment. If control equipment dedicated space isn't restricted by 110.26(F) then why is there an exception allowing reduced clearances under certain conditions?
 
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radiopet said:
OP Define the original intent of the panel itself. Are you calling it a control panel and what is it listed as by the engineer. Is it entirely possibly he is calling it a control panel and the engineer is calling it something covered under th specifics of the article.


If you are dealing with only a control panel in nature then don is 100% right on, what I was saying is make sure your engineer is on the same page and not thinking what you are installing is a distribution panel or similar which may be what is causing his confusion.

Possibly the engineer has in his mind an electrical panel is being installed and not a control panel........what is actually controlled from this panel?
Click to expand...

The control panel has some selector switches and indicating lights for the remote operation of a few motor operated valves at a water treatment plant. It's all 120V at the panel. The power for the valves comes from a 480V distribution panel and is not routed through the control panel.
 
eric9822 said:
Maybe I have been reading more into this section then I should have been. I see where 110.26(F) states switchboards, panelboards,
distribution boards, and motor control centers only. The exception however specifically applies to control equipment. If control equipment dedicated space isn't restricted by 110.26(F) then why is there an exception allowing reduced clearances under certain conditions?
Click to expand...

Eric,

The exception has to do with if you need the space to mount it for control equipment that needs to be near the application. The exception allows the exception to the clearance in that case only.
 
Doesn't art 110.26(F)(1)(b) allow you to mount the panel under duct if you just box in that area with framing and sheetrock????

Seems like an easy fix but maybe I am missing something here.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Doesn't art 110.26(F)(1)(b) allow you to mount the panel under duct if you just box in that area with framing and sheetrock????

Seems like an easy fix but maybe I am missing something here.
Click to expand...

Ok....now I am confused ( thanks...lol ) Dennis are you speaking of the OP's application or an electrical panel in general governed under 110.26(F)(1)(b)...because if we are talking about a normal panel as we all deal with...I dont believe the framing and sheetrock would solve anything.

(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.

The intent is foreign systems can be ABOVE the 6' dedicated space above the panel.....but would need to have protection like a drip pan to avoid leaks and so on from the system above the dedicated space.

but what the heck do I know......I am sure someone else will answer more correctly than I did...
 
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