Drip pans not allowed in NYC?

[Tainted]

I'm filing an electrical service that is greater than 1000kVA. The electrical equipment (switchboard) is going to be below the plumbing pipes, but the pipes are above the 6ft of required dedicated electrical space. So I proposed a drip pan to protect the equipment to comply with 110.26(F)(1)(b)

The plan examiner reviewed my the plans and also spoke with the commissioner who is above him. The plan examiner stated that DOB is not allowing drip pans above electrical equipment even though I have informed him that the drip pans and pipes are above the 6ft dedicated space.

Am I missing something? Installing drip pans is common practice, how is this not allowed??? Why am I being told this now because I could not find anything in writing stating this was not allowed prior to design.

This is an existing building, and there is no room for the panels because of the pipes. At this point I'm blind folded and hands tied behind my back. I don't know what to do.

 

[ron]

Is their problem the drip pan or the piping that passes through making the room not dedicated?

NYC Electrical Code Amendment
110.3(D) Electrical Equipment Rooms. Electrical equipment rooms shall be dedicated to electrical equipment not limited to fire alarm equipment, Building Management Systems, and lighting controls. All electrical equipment in the electrical equipment room shall be installed by a licensed electrician. Electrical equipment rooms shall be identified as such, shall be sized to provide the applicable working space requirements, and shall not be used for any other purpose including storage.

 

[Tainted]

Is their problem the drip pan or the piping that passes through making the room not dedicated?

NYC Electrical Code Amendment
110.3(D) Electrical Equipment Rooms. Electrical equipment rooms shall be dedicated to electrical equipment not limited to fire alarm equipment, Building Management Systems, and lighting controls. All electrical equipment in the electrical equipment room shall be installed by a licensed electrician. Electrical equipment rooms shall be identified as such, shall be sized to provide the applicable working space requirements, and shall not be used for any other purpose including storage.

I don't think drip pans or pipes in electrical rooms make the room not dedicated, if that was true then 99% of buildings in NYC would be in violation.

 

[charlie b]

They are "not allowing it"? I would challenge them on this. The NEC clearly allows this. So if they can't produce a written prohibition, it should be allowed. Likes, desires, and preferences have no place in our profession.

 

[synchro]

...The plan examiner stated that DOB is not allowing drip pans above electrical equipment even though I have informed him that the drip pans and pipes are above the 6ft dedicated space.

Not only is such protection allowed above the dedicated space, it is required for such piping.

See Mike Holt's recent post:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1230924885737091&id=100064587738202

 

[Tainted]

They are "not allowing it"? I would challenge them on this. The NEC clearly allows this. So if they can't produce a written prohibition, it should be allowed. Likes, desires, and preferences have no place in our profession.

Not only is such protection allowed above the dedicated space, it is required for such piping.

See Mike Holt's recent post:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1230924885737091&id=100064587738202

I don't want to break bridges with DOB so I have to plan on how I will challenge him. There has been so many instances where I had to explain to the plan examiner my plans complies with code to get the plans approved. I am convinced DOB hires inexperienced plan examiners and it shows. Unfortunately this one is extremely difficult to convince for some reason.