NEC Personnel Doors

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

minesh21

Senior Member
Location
CA USA
I am looking at 110.33(A)(3) and 110.26(C)(3) for Personnel Door requirements. I have a substation installation where we have an existing fence that has a large double gate (around 20'-0" total). The substation would fit inside, but I am concerned about the requirement for "listed panic hardware" in relation to fences and gates. We will be adding a second personnel gate to satisfy the requirements for large equipment, but I'm not sure how to determine if these gates are acceptable for emergency egress situations. I usually see the "panic hardware" on interior electrical room doors that allow you to push to exit, but I'm not sure they make this for outdoor gates. Also, if this is required and they do make panic hardware for gates, do I have to install two additional personnel gates since the large 20'-0" wide gate would most likely not be able to have panic hardware installed? So the large gate would be for moving in equipment, then the two smaller gates (new) for personnel? Anyone heard of this situation before? Any suggestions?
 
FYI they do make panic hardware for exterior gates. That being said, I don't believe that you would need that on the fencing as it sounds like you are putting an enclosure within the fenced area and you are only required to be able to get out of the area where the danger is.

I have heard some inspectors say that you need to be able to get to the public way, but other dispute that.

Also the code doesn't mention anything about outdoor installations, so as often quoted, if it doesn't say you have to, then you don't.
 
cowboyjwc said:
FYI they do make panic hardware for exterior gates. That being said, I don't believe that you would need that on the fencing as it sounds like you are putting an enclosure within the fenced area and you are only required to be able to get out of the area where the danger is.

I have heard some inspectors say that you need to be able to get to the public way, but other dispute that.

Also the code doesn't mention anything about outdoor installations, so as often quoted, if it doesn't say you have to, then you don't.
Click to expand...

I think to be on the safe side I'll install two personnel doors with panic hardware. You are correct this is available on the market. I don't want to deal with a change order later...
 
minesh21 said:
I am looking at 110.33(A)(3) and 110.26(C)(3) for Personnel Door requirements. I have a substation installation where we have an existing fence that has a large double gate (around 20'-0" total). The substation would fit inside, but I am concerned about the requirement for "listed panic hardware" in relation to fences and gates. We will be adding a second personnel gate to satisfy the requirements for large equipment, but I'm not sure how to determine if these gates are acceptable for emergency egress situations. I usually see the "panic hardware" on interior electrical room doors that allow you to push to exit, but I'm not sure they make this for outdoor gates. Also, if this is required and they do make panic hardware for gates, do I have to install two additional personnel gates since the large 20'-0" wide gate would most likely not be able to have panic hardware installed? So the large gate would be for moving in equipment, then the two smaller gates (new) for personnel? Anyone heard of this situation before? Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Is it outside? Does 20 feet mean from the equipment? Around 20 feet or maybe 25 feet?
 
from 2014 NEC

(3) Personnel Doors.
Where equipment rated 800^ A or more that contains overcurrent devices, switching devices, or control devices is installed and there is a personnel door(s) intended for entrance to and egress from the working space less than 7.6 m (25 ft) from the nearest edge of the working space, the door(s) shall open in the direction of egress and be equipped with listed panic hardware.
Click to expand...

How far from working space is the gate in question? If more then 25 feet I don't think it needs to comply with which direction it opens or the panic hardware.

I ask partly because if you already have a 20 foot wide gate you possibly have some significant room inside the closed in area in addition to space taken up by equipment.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top