Egress from Electrical Equipment

[jatrottpe]

I am looking for specific code references showing the following installation requires a second means of egress. I believe Article 110.26 C(2) does not cover this particular installation as equipment is less than 1200A each.

I have an elevated platform approx 14' x 25' with One set of stairs and a ladder along east end of platform.

Mounted on the platform I have three Hazardous area 600A Outdoor Switchracks (Front/back arragement with starters and circuit breakers on each side) each about 20' long that extend from East end of platform to West end of platform. One of the switchracks ends at the west end of the platform without the ability to walk around equipment (Due to proximity to handrail).

I am argueing for a 2nd means of egress from platform, (From a common sense and safety standpoint) but can not find the code references to support my argument.

 

[qcroanoke]

I am looking for specific code references showing the following installation requires a second means of egress. I believe Article 110.26 C(2) does not cover this particular installation as equipment is less than 1200A each.

I have an elevated platform approx 14' x 25' with One set of stairs and a ladder along east end of platform.

Mounted on the platform I have three Hazardous area 600A Outdoor Switchracks (Front/back arragement with starters and circuit breakers on each side) each about 20' long that extend from East end of platform to West end of platform. One of the switchracks ends at the west end of the platform without the ability to walk around equipment (Due to proximity to handrail).

I am argueing for a 2nd means of egress from platform, (From a common sense and safety standpoint) but can not find the code references to support my argument.

2005 allows only 1 means of entrance and egress regardless of the equipments phyiscal size.
2008 adds the wording "and over 1.8 M (6 ft) wide"
so it depends on what code cycle you are on and also if you can comply with either of the exceptions110-26 (C) (2) (a) or (b)

 

[Leestarkweather]

Also, the 2nd means of egress is dependent on the amperage of the equipment. Check the code being applied in your area. I think it's 1200A and higher. And the width is for one continuous piece of equipment. For example, I recently completed a (tighter than I like) generator control room with a 36" wide 2000A 480Y/277V CB (36" wide) that collects the output of (3) Generac self-paralleling gensets, then a 6" space (12x12 wireway) connecting to a 1600A ATS( 48" wide), then a 6" space (12x12 wireway) connecting to a 2000A Distribution Board (45" wide). The lineup is almost 13 feet long, but is 3 separate pieces, with 42" clear in front of the lineup and just 1 exit door at one end of the workspace. Meets code, even though the inspector (and I) would have liked an exit at both ends, it wasn't possible.