Interesting Code Ruling from Inspector regarding Mechanical Equipment above ceilings....

[Robbie R]

Our local inspector has turned down some VAV's located above lay-in ceilings due to clearance issues with the access panel on the side of the VAV units. His interpretation is that per NEC (2020) Section 110.26(A)(4), the working space in front of the VAV access control panel needs to be maintained per Table 110.26(A)(1). There is also a FPN in the NEC Handbook below section 110.26(A)(4) that reinforces this ruling.

Our argument against this was found in the wording of Section 110.26(A)(4): "while energized", but after hearing his side of the story, I believe the Inspector is correct in his interpretation. We just had a meeting with the VAV manufacturer to let them know and they were also surprised, but could see the Inspector's ruling as legit. In my almost 30 years of engineering design, I've never come across this. Moving forward, this will now require some heavy coordination effort between all disciplines (Mech, Elec, Plumbing) to ensure there is clear space in front of these access panels.

In addition, I believe this NEC Section is not very clear and could use improvements on the wording, scope and intent.

Has anyone else seen this type of ruling and if so, how did you approach it?

Thanks!

 

[augie47]

110.26(A)(4) in the '17 Code gave some latitude in the general requirements for equipment above a ceiling, but in doing so, I think it brought attention to having wroking clearance for equipment that was often times previously ignored

 

[infinity]

That NEC section is horrible but really if you don't put VAV's above the ceiling how will the HVAC system actually work?

 

[NTesla76]

The inspector is correct, however, it is a logistical nightmare to coordinate other trades to get on board. VAV's are often put above drop ceilings here.

 

[MyCleveland]

Robbie R
This has been code since 2017 like Augie referenced.
It is not something you can solve, but you should make your MEs aware.
I keep a PDF copy of NEC text and the pages from the 2017 Analysis of Changes and every job where ANY equipment goes above ceiling I would warn ME about this and send them AND the Architect the copies.

It seems to have been solved by simply making some of the grid removable where needed.

 

[infinity]

IMO things like VAV's installed above the ceiling should have lesser depth and width requirements. Unless there is a door swing issue 24" in front of the control panel is plenty of space to work on a VAV. As Augie stated this is often overlooked and you might be lucky to have 12" to work with. Even then these thing do get tested and maintained with tiny working clearances.