Dedicated Space

[MJESSMCCOOL]

Good Morning,

I have a question regarding the use of Electrical Rooms with service and distribution equipment rated at less than 1200 amps to contain other equipment not directly related to the electrical panel boards and service equipment.

Article 110 (F) speaking of 'Dedicated Space' says:

"(F) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards,
panelboards, distribution boards, and motor control centers
shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from
damage....

(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the equipment and extending from the
floor to a height of 1.8 m (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.

(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."

Is it the intent of this section to expand the 'Dedicated Space' to the ENTIRE area within a room if it is identified as an 'Electrical Room' ? Or is it permissible to allow 'foreign systems' and equipment located outside of, but adjacent to the 'Dedicated Electrical Equpment Space' within the same room, even if it is identified as an 'Electrical Room'?

Opinions on this question would be greatly appreciated.

MJMcCool

 

[ryan_618]

Dedicated space only applies (and is only intended to apply) to the actual dimension of the equipment in question. You may have all of the nonelectrical apparatus in the electrical room that you would like (generally speaking), as long as it doesn't violate the wroking space in front of the equipment or the dedicated space above and below the equipment.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

As far as the NEC is concerned, I agree with what Ryan has posted.

Be careful though, there are jurisdictions that only permit electrical equipment in electrical closets/rooms.

 

[nakulak]

also, in addition to what Pierre said, the jurisdictions which have those other rules might not enforce them via the electrical inspector (bldg inspector or fire marshal might be the ones turning it down after it was perhaps ok'd by the electrical dept.)