Pad required for floor-standing distribution panel?

[smallfish]

A 480Y/277V-3phase-4wire 1600A floor-standing distribution panel with an open bottom is to be secured to the floor in an electrical room over top four pipe stubs enclosing the parallel feeders.
Is there a code rule that would require this panel to be placed on top of a pad to keep the panel raised from the floor? The electrical room is indoors and on the first floor and not subject to flooding.
In addition, the stubs are to be no more than 3" off the finished floor (480.5) and wire bending space (T312.6 (B)) is required. Would this minimum wire bending space extend from the lip of the stub to the termination on the buss or from the finished floor?
Thanks

 

[rayertz]

No pad required by code only by spec. Check the spec's.

 

[benaround]

smallfish,

No code backup,but, I would say the wire bending space would start at the end of the stub.

 

[charlie b]

If I had issued the design package, you would see a housekeeping pad on the drawing, and a description of how to do such pads in the specs. I agree that it is not a code requirement. But I think it is a good idea.

I also agree that the bending radius measurement starts with the point at which the bend begins, and that does not happen until the cable leaves the stub up.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

If I had issued the design package, you would see a housekeeping pad on the drawing, and a description of how to do such pads in the specs. I agree that it is not a code requirement. But I think it is a good idea.

I also agree that the bending radius measurement starts with the point at which the bend begins, and that does not happen until the cable leaves the stub up.

Charlie
I am curious why you believe this to be a good idea?

 

[charlie b]

I am curious why you believe this to be a good idea?

Mostly for the enhanced structural support. It helps distribute the weight of the equipment over a wider area of the floor. Also, in the rare event of a significant liquid spill (i.e., from the pipes that are not allowed to be over the panel but are allowed to be over the working space), there is less of a chance of liquid getting inside the equipment.

 

[iwire]

Besides it making your switchgear look really cool I think the water issue alone makes it worth while especially if the installation has a pit under the gear like they sometimes do.

Other times the existing conditions leave a little to be desired.

The left rear is 3.5" tall while the right front is 7.5" tall.

 

[480sparky]

I'll typically install a pad out of habit. Too many electrical rooms have sloped floors for drainage anyway, so a pad makes it easy to have nice, level/plumb equipment.