Low Voltage Panel working space 110-26

[cruiser]

Mikes's Illustrated Guide - Low Voltage and Limited Energy refers to "generally accepted practice is not to require working spaces for low-voltage and limited energy systems".

Does this mean " generally accepted (by whom?) for private projects vs public (as in schools - this is a California DSA project)?" Table 110-16a seems to maintain the 30 - 36 minimum workspace for LV applications.

I am installing EMS panels in mechanical soffitts with access panels in the ceilings or faces of the soffitts. I can swing the doors 90 degrees but maintaining 36" in front is difficult.

Comments please?

 

[steve66]

Re: Low Voltage Panel working space 110-26

110.26(1)(b)Low Voltage: By special permission, smaller working spaces shall be permitted where all uninsulated parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts DC.

The "Authority Having Jurisdiction" would be the official source of the "special permission".

Also note that the working space is only required for equipment "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or mainatnence while energized. Again, the AHJ would have the official determination if your equipment meets this requirement. (EMS panel?? I am drawing a blank on what that might stand for.)

STeve

 

[cruiser]

Re: Low Voltage Panel working space 110-26

Steve, thank you for your prompt response, an EMS is an energy management system. The control box is located adjacent at 90 degrees to an AHU. It transmits to an off site central processing unit.
The only other condition of possible concern would be if a set down transformer were required.
As this is a state project and I am the project architect, it is possible that I may be the AHJ. I need to cover all my base and be able to refer to a code cite which you have provided. Love this forum, thank you.

 

[pierre]

Re: Low Voltage Panel working space 110-26

Cruiser

I have a question for you if you do not mind?
If you are the AHJ, after reading the NEC and reading some of the posts here, what would you determine as the work space required?

Pierre

 

[cruiser]

Re: Low Voltage Panel working space 110-26

As it turns out, DSA (Department of State Architect) is the AHJ, however they do minimal plan check of electrical and typically defer to the EE of record. There is obviuosly a disjoint here. As AOR (Architect of Record) my call would be ability to maintain a 90 degree door swing and a minimum of 30" workspace (assuming there is no step down transformer within the panel). In California schools DSA inspections are performed by the IOR (a state certified inspector of record who reports to the AOR. He applies information from plans, specs, and the appropriate code cites, hence 110.26)