Main electrical rooms.

[charlton70]

Does anyone know if there is anything in the NEC that states that facility "main electrical rooms" must not have things stored in them. I work at a facility that insists on putting furniture, spare shelving, pictures, and other items in it. This is the main electrical room with all our 4160v gear and battery system for emergency generators. It doesn't seem right to me.........

 

[rbalex]

Re: Main electrical rooms.

I would review all of Section 110.26 and especially Subsections (B), (C) and (F). These subsections especially define areas that must be kept clear, protected and accessible. But the WHOLE Section should be reviewed. It can't be overemphasized.

For over 600V equipment, review Sections 110.30 to 110.34.

 

[bhsrnd]

Re: Main electrical rooms.

Another reference to the latter would be OSHA regulation 1910.303(g) and 1910.303(h). This reiterates some of the NEC and adds its own verbiage. OSHA Subpart S covers the electrical aspect of OSHA regs.

OSHA 1910.303

 

[jrdsg]

Re: Main electrical rooms.

this is a disease. i have frequently run into this doing service work and have often wondered what the owner was thinking.

the fire service will throw a fit if they find electrical or sprinkler rooms being used as storage sites, but our advice is generally ignored.

i have seen something similar in the exit stairwells of highrise buildings with private or semi-private floors. anyone trying to exit in a fire or other emergency would have to fight their way past old exercise equipment, kitty litter pans, abandoned appliances, and magazine collections.

 

[charlie]

Re: Main electrical rooms.

On the other hand, if the room is large enough (fat chance), you only have to meet the requirements for egress and working clearance. Assume a large floor area in a factory with a space on the wall used for the electrical service, the rest of the building could be used for manufacturing.

Yes, under the correct circumstances, an electrical room may be partially used for storage.

 

[inspector 102]

Re: Main electrical rooms.

Article 605.3.1 of the International Fire Code, 2000 Edition states that electrical control panels rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM. As Charlie indicated, what is the definition of an electrical room when the equipment is tucked into a corner of a 6000 sf building used for storage. I have argued with the fire inspector on many occasions on what is allowable in regards to clearance, egress and storage. I would think this may be an area the code could address to define the labeling requirements based on size of equipment, occupancy classification, or some other means.