Machine Electrical Panel Clearence

[rmonroe]

Machine Electrical Panel Clearence



We are manufacturing company with many free standing electrical panels. Production has a tendency of blocking the machine panel with finished parts, in process parts or tooling racks that have to be moved every time the electrical panel needs to be open. These are 480V panel which contains motor starter, control systems and robotics.

Does the NFPA 70 110.26 apply to our situation? Do we have to post signage on each panel?


Thanks

rmonroe

 

[kentirwin]

Machine Electrical Panel Clearence



We are manufacturing company with many free standing electrical panels. Production has a tendency of blocking the machine panel with finished parts, in process parts or tooling racks that have to be moved every time the electrical panel needs to be open. These are 480V panel which contains motor starter, control systems and robotics.

Does the NFPA 70 110.26 apply to our situation? Do we have to post signage on each panel?


Thanks

rmonroe

It applies. Also take a look at OSHA 1910.303(g). It also requires that unobstructed working space be maintained around electrical equipment. In many facilities yellow striping on the floor is used to mark areas in front of cb panels, mcc's, etc. While the signage isn't a regulatory requirement it's a good idea if people keep cluttering those areas.

 

[petersonra]

Machine Electrical Panel Clearence



We are manufacturing company with many free standing electrical panels. Production has a tendency of blocking the machine panel with finished parts, in process parts or tooling racks that have to be moved every time the electrical panel needs to be open. These are 480V panel which contains motor starter, control systems and robotics.

Does the NFPA 70 110.26 apply to our situation? Do we have to post signage on each panel?


Thanks

rmonroe

Does the NEC apply inside your plant? If it does than 110.26 applies.

Is it enforced uniformly? Nope.

Signage is not a NEC requirement, but it might be helpful in reminding people not to leave stuff there.

Personally, I don't have a major issue with putting stuff in front of a panel board that is readily moved. The worst that is likely to happen is someone is inconvenienced when a CB needs to be reset, and anyway, not just anyone is allowed to reset a CB, so by the time one finds a qualified individual and s/he determines why it tripped and resets it, the few extra minutes it takes to get a forklift driver to move a skid of crap just won't matter any. But the code no longer allows this.