Does a simple disconnect require 110.26(A) spacing?

[NoahsArc]

Okay, so, given this isn't an AC DC, are we kosher then here:

(no, this is not my work)
(no, I wouldn't do it like that)
(yes, if someone on my crew did that I'd have the rip it out on their time)
(i doubt most inspectors would pass this on account of 110.12)
(but...)

 

[wwhitney]

Okay, so, given this isn't an AC DC, are we kosher then here:

It's a little hard to tell due to the angle, but it appears that the sink does not impinge on the working space required by 110.26(A) (if applicable). So if there's nothing behind the camera that impinges, it would comply with 110.26(A) : - )

There's no 110.12 violation visible in the photo.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[NoahsArc]

It's a little hard to tell due to the angle, but it appears that the sink does not impinge on the working space required by 110.26(A) (if applicable). So if there's nothing behind the camera that impinges, it would comply with 110.26(A) : - )

There's no 110.12 violation visible in the photo.

Cheers, Wayne

Actually, I guess looking at it more closely by the grout lines, it would pass that section. I know the workmanship isn't sloppy, but placing a large DC like that next to a public sink ought to fail something.

Anyway, here's one that more clearly would fail 110.26A I think:

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Say a 30A disconnect with the big red lever, fed from a breaker, controlling a water heater nearby.

Does part (A) apply?
Does part (E) apply?
Or can it be treated like a common switch and not have the 3ft x 30" x 6.5ft requirement?

I would argue that a disconnect is not intended to be worked on live but is merely a means of deenergizing equipment in its vicinity, and as such (A) does not apply.
I would argue that, despite having "switch" in both "disconnect switch" and "switchgear", a simple disconnect switch is not switchgear, and the art100 definition clearly indicates a larger enclosure, so (E) also does not apply.

And I will argue that all disconnects are opened and checked for voltage and it gets a red tag if the clearances in 110.26(A) are not provided.

 

[NoahsArc]

And I will argue that all disconnects are opened and checked for voltage and it gets a red tag if the clearances in 110.26(A) are not provided.

What about a light switch or receptacle? I have had to open those to check voltages now and then while troubleshooting.

 

[Tainted]

What about a light switch or receptacle? I have had to open those to check voltages now and then while troubleshooting.

That's a good question and that's where in my opinion we are allowed to use professional judgment in these types of situations. Light switches or receptacles are widely excepted by AHJs throughout the country to not have strict clearances like the bulky electrical equipment.

 

[jim dungar]

What about a light switch or receptacle? I have had to open those to check voltages now and then while troubleshooting.

Working source during actual troubleshooting is covered by safety standards and policies, such as OSHA and NFPA 70E.

But yes, it is hard to comply with safety policies when adequate spacing was not provide during installation which is covered by the NEC.

My guess is during a simple receptacle or light switch voltage check, the person is not usually trapped between a potentially faulted surface and the live parts while kneeling on damp ground, as they might be while servicing a AC unit.