Disconnect

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3C

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I currently have a disconnect mounted on a wall for one of our machines. It is visible and reachable by anyone in the plant. The thing is, production has placed a table under the disconnect that they claim must be there. The table is about 2' from the bottom of the box. While this table does not prevent someone from being able to reach the disconnect, our safety supervisor has requested that the disconnect be relocated to accomodate table 110-26. Does a disconnect fall under this? Does a table under a disconnect sound like a problem?
 
3C said:
I currently have a disconnect mounted on a wall for one of our machines. It is visible and reachable by anyone in the plant.
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If you must stand in the plant to see and reach the disconnect, I'd say the table and the plant should be relocated. :p

3C said:
our safety supervisor has requested that the disconnect be relocated to accomodate table 110-26. Does a disconnect fall under this? Does a table under a disconnect sound like a problem?
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Not IMO. My question is, what is the nature of the equipment? If this disconnect is unlikely to require maintenance while energized, then there's no problem. If it is a fused disconnect, and the fuses are contained in a pull-out block that is removeable from the disconnect, then I would not consider that "servicing while energized." IMO.

Another question, is how hard is it to move the table? I don't think the NEC (with the exception of guest rooms in hotels) considers the placement of furniture in regards to it's requirements, IMO.
 
georgestolz said:
If you must stand in the plant to see and reach the disconnect, I'd say the table and the plant should be relocated. :p


Not IMO. My question is, what is the nature of the equipment? If this disconnect is unlikely to require maintenance while energized, then there's no problem. If it is a fused disconnect, and the fuses are contained in a pull-out block that is removeable from the disconnect, then I would not consider that "servicing while energized." IMO.

Another question, is how hard is it to move the table? I don't think the NEC (with the exception of guest rooms in hotels) considers the placement of furniture in regards to it's requirements, IMO.
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There are requirements in NFPA 79 for industrial machinery. I can't quote article from memory but I do not believe that would be allowed. Where is this disconnect being fed from? If you blew a supply side fuse, where would the 1st place you would be checking power. In most cases it would be in the closest place...the disconnect.

I agree with Larry! no not myself, I mean Larry be Fine
 
110.26 does not directly deal with a table that encroaches the clear working space of a disconnect.IMO the article is there for permantly mounted objects and not a table set in front of a disc.,which if moved 12 more inches then clear space is there.Now it does have a provision for storage items not being within the space does a table that is obviouly used in this case constitute storage?????
 
Give them an inch and they'll take a mile. Let them keep a table in the reserved working space, and next they'll put a cabinet full of paper under the table, and a few large boxes on top of the table. So when you want to turn off the disconnect, there will be something in the way. More importantly, when you need to open the disconnect enclosure to do some work (e.g., replacing fuses), you will be thinking about whether it is worth your efforts to move the boxes off the table, move the table, and move that heavy cabinet full of paper.

I say this should never be allowed. Tell them that the NEC forbids the placement of that table in its current location. If they say that it "must be there," then start making arrangements to move the disconnect. Tell them they have to make a cost-benefit decision, comparing the costs of moving the disconnect to the benefit of having that table in that location.

This is a safety issue. Do this right, and the person who doesn't get killed will never know that he or she has you to thank for taking the necessary steps to prevent the accident that would have killed them. You will also never know that you saved someone's life. You'll have to just settle for knowing that you took the right action, the action that was based on safety considerations.
 
I agree with Charlie.

110.26(B) Clear Spaces.
Working space required by this section shall not be used for storage.
When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded.
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The table is very difficult to move. The disconnect can be reached leaning over the table. The fuses are not on a block that can be removed. However, on the side of the machine there is a disconnect on the control panel. Does this change anything?
 
I agree with Mike. In some instances I don't care what the NEC or OSHA have to say, if you can make something safer do so. The NEC is minimum rules. OSHA in many instances goes a lot further. Also, there is NFPA 79 which I believe applies in this case.
 
You don't know what NFPA standard by chance? Also, there is a disconnect on the main control panel for the equipment, this is accessible. Could that be counted as the disconnect? I agree that the safe way to do things is to keep the area clear. I just would like to give a defined answer with articles to back it up. Thanks.
 
I don't think NFPA 79 gives much direction to work space, Section 5.8 of that standard deals with mounting of disconnects. I may be missing something but I do not belive that section supports your argument.

If in your opinion the equipment work space is encroached, stay with 110.26 (NEC) and you may find some ammunition in NFPA 70E (standard for electrical safety req for employees in the workplace) regarding access for maintenance issues.

Charlie
 
The general requirement:

"110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment. 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. Enclosures housing
electrical apparatus that are controlled by lock and key
shall be considered accessible to qualified persons."

There are no exceptions under this paragraph, which means there are no exceptions!!!

"(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operating
at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to
require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance
while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (2), and (3) or as required or permitted elsewhere
in this Code."

We have all seen this subsection a million times, again I do not see any exceptions.

I will not waste time posting the rest of the 110.26 subsections, we all pretty much know them.


There seems to be a trend to twist words, phrases and whatever to make the wording work for the particular installation.


For the OP of this thread, the table is simply in violation, THE SPACE IN FRONT OF , BELOW (the width, depth, height) is to remain clear and free of any obstacle. What is so tough about INTERPRETING that?????????


I am curious where the language in the code says that if the obstacle is easily moveable it is okay?

This is one of the few code requirements put in the code to protect the installer/worker... we should fight to keep it maintained.
 
I am curious where the language in the code says that if the obstacle is easily moveable it is okay?
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I have never been able to find anywhere where it says it is okay, but have been told many times that it is. I know one place that says if it is on wheels it is portable and it is okay. Well some of these things on wheels weigh over 2000 Lb. Now weakling light weights like me can't even begin to get enough traction to move them.

In regards to the original post 110.26 A (3) states work space shall be clear and extend from the floor to the proper height by 110.26(E)
 
Pierre,
We have all seen this subsection a million times, again I do not see any exceptions.
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That's fine, but since there are no exceptions and since a receptacle is equipment, the code required kitchen countertop receptacles are code violations.
Don
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Pierre,

That's fine, but since there are no exceptions and since a receptacle is equipment, the code required kitchen countertop receptacles are code violations.
Don
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Kind of what I was also thinking.Maybe it`s just me but a table is not there as a permanent obstacle just like in a garage a vehicle can be parked within the required space for clearance and it is alot heavier than any table I have ever seen.110.26 does not address tables ,vehicles or any other MOVABLE object,just permanent items.In regards to Dons response maybe there should be a breaker lock out for counter top receptacles.Maybe just lock out every breaker in the panel that way nothing would be likely to be energized when worked on.Good lord overthinking is on the loose with this one.
 
Here is one that you can use from OSHA
1910.303(q)(1)
Working space about electric equipment. 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.
 
allenwayne said:
Kind of what I was also thinking.Maybe it`s just me but a table is not there as a permanent obstacle just like in a garage a vehicle can be parked within the required space for clearance and it is alot heavier than any table I have ever seen.110.26 does not address tables ,vehicles or any other MOVABLE object,just permanent items.In regards to Dons response maybe there should be a breaker lock out for counter top receptacles.Maybe just lock out every breaker in the panel that way nothing would be likely to be energized when worked on.Good lord overthinking is on the loose with this one.
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I wish they would forbid panels in certain locations of a garage and if there is a basement or a mech room in the home require the panel be located there. I can't stand EC's putting panels in a garage where the car will be parked or where the toys get piled.
 
Poor planning is not a good excuse for this installation... whether the poor planning was the installer of the disco or the production person.

Don
It sounds like this section can use some massaging in the 2011 cycle... or change the definition of equipment ;)
 
3C,

IMO, The code requires 'working space' on equipment that can not be

deenergized. The disconnect at your plant is really an Isolation Switch and

by definetion is intended to be used only after the circuit has been opened

by some other means. Much like all those disconnects above dropped

ceilings for air handling units,IMO 110.26 is not applicable in your case.

With that said, saftey for your workmates rests on your decission.
 
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