Electrical Panels and service gear

[barry nelson]

Can anyone please tell me where in the code it tells you how much distance is required to protect personnel in an area where panels and gear are located this area is not enclosed? The reason I'm asking is that we have someone who wants to setup work stations in front of this location and for the life of me I can't find it in the code?

 

[charlie b]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

You can't find it because it is not there.

110.26 talks about the space you need to reserve, in front of panels, for a future technician to work on the panel. The reason is that the technician needs room to work safely. The issue is not the protection of a person who might have an office in the same room. There is nothing in the NEC about protecting such a person. That's OK, since there is nothing to protect the person against. There is also nothing in the NEC that prohibits installing a desk or a complete office in the same room as a panel or gear, so long as you keep the "working space" clear of any office furniture.

Now if you are saying that the panel or gear has exposed energized parts, the situation is different. But I doubt that is what you had in mind.

 

[barry nelson]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

One other thing if this location has rating of 1200amps 600vac does any of that change this?

 

[barry nelson]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

and thanks for your reply I thought I was losing my mind trying to find an answer that wasn't there?

 

[charlie b]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

Originally posted by barry nelson:. . . if this location has rating of 1200amps 600vac does any of that change this?

No. It does add a requirement for a second entrance (with some exceptions). But it does not alter the fact that an office can be located in the same space. I would not want such an office, but that is a personal choice, not an NEC issue.

 

[zog]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

You can do an arc flash analysis and determine the arc flash boundary, they can have a desk there but they may bew wearing a flash suit while they are sitting at it.

 

[barry nelson]

Re: Electrical Panels and service gear

thanks for the help guys