High Leg Service In Pump Room

[brianl8130]

I have a 200 amp, 120/240 volt, 3 phase service (high leg) that is located in a pump room. There is a 1/2" of water constantly on the floor in front of the panel due to the well in the room. My question is this - Is this a Code violation? Other than the obvious safety concerns (I would not want to work on it), I cannot find anything in the Code that addresses a situation such as this. All other working clearances are met.

 

[steve66]

Re: High Leg Service In Pump Room

I would think 110.3(A)(8) would prohibit this. 110.11 might also apply if the panel is not rated for a wet or damp location. Finally, 110.26(A)(3) says the working space shall be clear from grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). I would not consider the working space to be clear if there is 1/2" of water in it.

Steve

 

[lrollo]

Re: High Leg Service In Pump Room

I dont have a code book right here handy to quote code but I think common since would dictate, if you cant take it out of the room completely, to build a platform in front of the panel, even if its only 6" high, ground that platform if its made of conductive materials, and then lay a rubber mat on it. Also the panel should be approved for wet and/or damp locations and all outlets in this area should be GFCI protected. I have worked on many control panels on center pivot sprinklers systems. These are 480 volts, 3 phase, and constantly in water. Your ground is the most important part of the circuit. I have never been afraid to work on live panels as long as there is a sufficient ground. Also the use of 1000 volt gloves and a hot mat doesnt hurt.

[ October 31, 2003, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: lrollo ]