LV Switchgear Rear Access Clearence

[FaradayFF]

Hi All,
I was reviewing NEC Article 110 and it talks about working space requirements in front of and behind an energized equipment. I have a situation where client desires rear access to the lineup. My understanding is that rear access would be required for cable terminations. The cable terminations would be accomplished with the gear de-energized, so my interpretation that NEC Article 110 would not apply during installation and cable terminations.
Reviewing switchgear vendor design guides, I didn't see any guidance or recommendation on clearance requirements in the rear of the unit.
My question is, is it up to the designer to determine what this clearance should be from the rear of the switchgear to the wall? I don't imagine anyone accessing and removing the panels in the back of the gear with the unit energized, this would be more to provide adequate working space for an electrician installing the cabling before the commissioning of the lineup.
Thank you all for your thoughts.
EE

 

[jim dungar]

The engineering answer is: It All Depends.
Some people only access terminal when they are deenergized, while others want them energized for infrared testing.

 

[ron]

If it is actually switchgear (UL 1558), it almost surely is front and rear accessible and you would need clearance for both.

Many switchboards (UL 891) can be specified / built as front access only, or front / rear, so you provide clearance as required.

If something is specified as front access only, it doesn't mean you couldn't provide a few feet in the back for compliance with the owners request (not requiring 110.26 values)

 

[FaradayFF]

If it is actually switchgear (UL 1558), it almost surely is front and rear accessible and you would need clearance for both.

Many switchboards (UL 891) can be specified / built as front access only, or front / rear, so you provide clearance as required.

If something is specified as front access only, it doesn't mean you couldn't provide a few feet in the back for compliance with the owners request (not requiring 110.26 values)

Thank you for your comment. I checked Eaton's offering, they actually offer UL 1558 listed front-access low-voltage switchgear.

 

[jim dungar]

If it is actually switchgear (UL 1558), it almost surely is front and rear accessible and you would need clearance for both

Rear accessible does not mean rear access is required. I have seen many installations where the rear doors are padlocked shut. Customer work practices say they must be padlocked.