Fencing Electrical Equipment

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

Electriman

Senior Member
Location
TX
Good day every one,

On commercial projects, I was wondering when if any we have to fence off our outdoor electrical equipment. Outside of the buildings, we have utility transformer, CT cabinet and metering, and may or may not disconnect(s).

Thanks,
 
There are codes saying how high that fence needs to be if it's needed but nothing specifically stating when it's needed

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
nickelec said:
There are codes saying how high that fence needs to be if it's needed but nothing specifically stating when it's needed

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Could you tell me the article number? Any suggestion where and where not put fence. I personally would like not to put any fencing.
 
Minnesota - I have multiple school buildings with utility transformer, CT cabinet, etc. without any fencing. On the few I have fencing, the utility is the only entity that has any requirements and then it’s only clearances in front of their transformer for their safety. They also require the locking mechanism to allow their lock to be installed to open up for their access.
I know several of the troublemen and they tend to dislike fences around their equipment... Dangerous for egress, tend to hold in trash, leaves, snow, etc., harder for change outs...
Around my area, I rarely see such equipment fenced in.
 
I don't think that there is a requirement for a fence unless the equipment has exposed energized parts.
 
Electriman said:
Good day every one,

On commercial projects, I was wondering when if any we have to fence off our outdoor electrical equipment. Outside of the buildings, we have utility transformer, CT cabinet and metering, and may or may not disconnect(s).

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Look at section
110.31 Enclosure for Electrical Installations.

"A fence shall not be less than 2.1 m (7 ft) in height or a combination of 1.8 m (6 ft) or more of fence fabric and a 300-mm (1-ft) or more extension utilizing three or more strands of barbed wire or equivalent. The distance from the fence to live parts shall be not less than given in Table 110.31."

And a fence is also one of the means hinted to in
110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
Note the handbook comment following this section

Comment:
“Extreme care should be taken where protection from unauthorized personnel or vehicular traffic is added to existing installations in order to comply with 110.26(F)(2). Any excavation or driving of steel into the ground for the placement of fencing, vehicle stops, or bollards should be done only after a thorough investigation of the belowgrade wiring”

(F) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, panelboards, distribution boards, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.

(2) Outdoor. Outdoor electrical equipment shall be installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. The working clearance space shall include the zone described in 110.26(A). No architectural appurtenance or other equipment shall be located in this zone.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top