I am trying to squeeze an A/C unit inbetween the end of a 5kV lineup and a 480V lighting panel. What does the code require for clearances for this application in regards to clearances on the side of 5kV and 480V equipment. The A/C unit will be offset from the 480V panel so wont be right next to it.
equipment clearance
- Thread starter mull982
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- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
There are no requirements for clearances to the side of a panel, presuming that the side panels are not removable, and are not intended as a means of gaining access to the energized parts.
The main requirement that might come into play in your case is that the space in front of any panel must be 30 inches wide. Is there 30 inches of room between the 5kv lineup and the 480V panel? If not, can you install the new panel such that its front face is even with the front face of the 480V panel, even if you have to move one or the other some distance away from the back wall?
The main requirement that might come into play in your case is that the space in front of any panel must be 30 inches wide. Is there 30 inches of room between the 5kv lineup and the 480V panel? If not, can you install the new panel such that its front face is even with the front face of the 480V panel, even if you have to move one or the other some distance away from the back wall?
Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
See in the areas of NEC 2008 110.26 - 110 34
The NEC Handbook is helpful because it has photos.
The NEC Handbook is helpful because it has photos.
I have attached a sketch of the layout I was referencing. You can see on the sketch the new A/C unit I am trying to squeeze between the 5kV lineup and the 480V lighting panel.
The A/C units sits 1ft off of the 5kV lineup and sits 2" off of the 480V panel but is offest 1ft in front of it. Because the 480V panel has 30" of working space to the right I am thinking that the A/C unit will work in the position as shown. Does the A/C unit in this position meet code?
I'm assuing I will have to move the lighting contactor as shown?
The A/C units sits 1ft off of the 5kV lineup and sits 2" off of the 480V panel but is offest 1ft in front of it. Because the 480V panel has 30" of working space to the right I am thinking that the A/C unit will work in the position as shown. Does the A/C unit in this position meet code?
I'm assuing I will have to move the lighting contactor as shown?
Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
Looks good. Like Charlie said, though. As long as there is no access panels between the ac and the 5kv.
Then you are good.
Then you are good.
No there are not access panels on the 5kV gear for working on the gear. The side of the gear is just a sidesheet which would only be removed when adding additional sections.
Do I need to move the lighting contactor? I'm thinking I need 3ft in front of this 480V contactor.
I also just realized that the door on the 480V panel is hinged on the opposite side thus openeing to the right and opposite of what is shown in the sketch. Will this still have the necessary 30" clearance or does the clearance now need to be measured from the hinge on the right measuring left?
If I do not have the necessary clearance, can you order a panel door to hinge on the opposite side of the panel?
If I do not have the necessary clearance, can you order a panel door to hinge on the opposite side of the panel?
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
If the panel door can open 180 degrees (i.e., so that it lies flat against the panel face), then you are still OK. But such doors are only required to open 90 degrees. Still, I don't think it's a problem, since the door will be removed, along with the front panel cover, whenever anyone needs to work inside the panel.
DanZ
Senior Member
Don't forget the clearance needed with the A/C unit. They can overheat pretty easily, but each manufacturer is a little different in what they require their units to have.
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