NEC CODE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT

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DMALINOWSKI

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ANN ARBOR, MI
Is the 3ft clearance to disconnect switches apply to portable equipment? I have a 480v thermotron that I would like to place against the wall. This would place the main power switch near the wall. It is easily accessible by hand but does not meet the 3 ft rule.

Thanks!!
 
DMALINOWSKI said:
Is the 3ft clearance to disconnect switches apply to portable equipment? I have a 480v thermotron that I would like to place against the wall. This would place the main power switch near the wall. It is easily accessible by hand but does not meet the 3 ft rule.

Thanks!!
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NEC wise maybe not.

OSHA wise very likely


1910.302(a)(1)

Covered. The provisions of ?? 1910.302 through 1910.308 cover electrical installations and utilization equipment installed or used within or on buildings, structures, and other premises, including:
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1910.303(g)(1)

Space about electric equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

1910.303(g)(1)(i)

Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the following dimensions, except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart:

1910.303(g)(1)(i)(A)

The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts may not be less than indicated in Table S-1. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if they are enclosed;

1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B)

The width of working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all cases, the working space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels; and

1910.303(g)(1)(i)(C)

The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. However, other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 153 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electric equipment.

1910.303(g)(1)(ii)

Working space required by this standard may not be used for storage. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded.
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The OP brings up an interesting "what if."

What if .... your disconnect, which needs to be readily accessible, and folks often apply working space rules to .... the space is clear when the cord-connected equipment is in use, but not when the machine is parked / stored right in front of it?

Welders, forklift chargers - there's all manner of portable stuff that gets plugged in, and uses enough power that we're looking at disconnects, control panels, and such.

There's even the fine point of whether the power cord "violates" the working space. Would we construe this to the point that a receptacle mounted under a panel is considered a violation?
 
charlie b said:
Exactly what rule are you referring to?
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jumper said:
I am guessing 110.26(A)(1), Condition 1.
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I might have made that guess as well. For my part, I almost never take credit for Condition 1, and I allow space based on Condition 2 or 3.

The OP, however, is talking about the main switch, as though that component within the "thermotron" (whatever that is), and not the thermotron as a whole, might require energized work. That is why 110.26 did not make sense to me. I am curious as to whether the OP is thinking about some rule that says you need room to be able to get to, and operate, a switch.
 
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