Thank you for the responses to the previous post. Some new information is that the disconnects(480v.) are non-fused, motor disconnects. I still feel that there should be 42" clearance between the disconnect and the railing of the walkway. I am getting different answers from our electricians. Some say 42" and some say 36", what do you professionals say and what standard relates to this, all I want to do is o.k. the right way. As always , thank you for your help, I read this forum daily to broaden my knowledge so that I make a safer workplace for my fellow workers.
Disconnects on balcony
- Thread starter Safety869
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
What is the railing made of?
It is made of steel tubing, that is 42" high with a mid rail. Currently it has 28" to the railing, in front of the disconnect. These are non-fused motor disconnects. I am doing a safety buy-off on this shaker installation and am used to having 42" clearance to a grounded surface for 480v. I have told the contractor to show me, in the code book, that this installation is correct. I have yet to hear from them and I want to get my backround work done ahead of time. Thank you for the come back.
Last edited:
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
This issue all hinges on the words "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized" in 110.26(A). It is my opinion that a disconnect is "likely to ..." and the work space in Table 110.26(A)(1) must be provided. Others say such work is not required and work space is not required in front of a disconnect.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
In my opinion, this is a Code violation.Safety869 said:
ARTICLE 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations
110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
(A) Working Space . . . likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized . . .
I have yet to see any disconnecting device (switch, circuit breaker, pullout, etc.) that at some time or another, a maintenance electrician won't open it to check for voltage or current.
as you can sense here, there is sometimes controversy on the "likely to require". That said, I agree with charlie & don in that NEC 110.26 applies.
From your post, this is a 480 v system and the railing is considered grounded, so the required clearance would be 3' 6"
From your post, this is a 480 v system and the railing is considered grounded, so the required clearance would be 3' 6"
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