Distribution Panel Clearance In Front Of

[bandylb18]

Have a distribution panel, 240/120 3ph, will be running (2) 2" conduits stacked vertically off floor about six inches in front of panel. Is this a code violation? Don't have my code book with me but I seem to recall the need to have 30" of clearance in front of panel floor to ceiling or eight foot above floor height. The journeyman I was discussing the issue with says they are allowed 6" in front of the panel as long as the conduits are related in use to the DPB.
Appreciate some insight.
Thanx, L

 

[charlie b]

The rules related to "Height of Working Space" appear in 110.26(A)(3). The requirement is floor to 6'6" above the floor. The rule to which you refer says, "Within the height requirements of this section, other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation and is located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than (6 in.) beyond the front of the electrical equipment." I infer that they are talking about such things as a transformer, or some other thing that is directly above or below the panel, and that extends beyond the front face of the panel. Running conduits parallel to the floor does not meet this description. They are not below or above, and they don't extend beyond. I would call this a violation. More importantly, I would call it a trip hazard, and perhaps the very last thing you would want to have in front of a live panel with your hands close to the energized parts. Not a good time to trip against something. By contrast, if there is a transformer below the panel, you are not likely to trip against it.