NEC help

[Nefarious Mind]

Good Morning,

Here's the situation:

A room approximately 15' x 30' x 16', has cinder block walls and a large garage door at one end. The service main comes into this room and there are several panels on the wall; meters, and service entrance cable are just on the other side of the same wall (outside). Our VP wants to utilize this room for dynamometering diesel engines.

I immediately said this was a bad idea, but this didn't stop him from insisting we figure out a way make it happen. A few things to keep in mind:
A room with a dyno in it requires a large water tank and basin. It will require fans to circulate air, plenty of pumps and motors will be needed; and a safe place for an operator to run the engine.

My question - What code(s) will this violate? If we were to build a separate room for the panels to eliminate exposure to the elements of the dyno room would that be allowed?

 

[petersonra]

there is no general requirement that service equipment be kept in any kind of special room. I don't see the issue as long as working space requirements are met.

 

[Nefarious Mind]

So 36" of clearance around the panels may be all we need?

I figured because this has the potential to be a wet and oily environment there would be more restrictions.

 

[ActionDave]

While doing electrical work in a dirty, noisy environment might have a negative impact on electrical persons' domestic tranquility it is not a safety issue.

 

[tom baker]

So 36" of clearance around the panels may be all we need?

I figured because this has the potential to be a wet and oily environment there would be more restrictions.

Working clearance is determined by the voltage. Also the area above the electrical panels is restricted, no piping, ducts.