Outdoor switchgear fence clearance.

[Mark Cendroski]

NEC article 110.31 Enclosure for Electrical Installations -refers to table 110.31 for Minimum Distance from Fence to Live Parts for various voltages. Does this mean exposed live parts? What about dead front gear or transformers that have live parts enclosed and protected and not accessible? Is a 15 foot distance required around an outdoor 35kv deadfront swithcboard or transformer?

 

[steve66]

The second paragraph of 110.32 says

For installations other than equipment as described in 110.31(D), a wall, screen, or fence shall be used......

So if your equipment meets 110.31(D), you don't need the fence. If you put in a fence anyway, it does not have to meet the 15' distance.

Steve