Panel Space

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kfenn

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I'm aware of article110.26a, however, is there another article which states that the panel has to have a clear path to an exit. Basically, if something happens and the Electrician has turn and run, no fixed object(furnace)can block his path.
I know it is a good design practice to allow a clear path, but here does it state it.
 
Re: Panel Space

How many times have you gone back to work where a panel has been installed to find you cannot find the panel :D . There is a shelf, bookcase, or whatever piled in front of it. This happens in all kind of occupancies. We went to trouble shoot a problem in a major pharmacy one time and there was a locked enclosure around the service equipment, no one knew where the key was. We finally had to torch the lock.

Pierre
 
Re: Panel Space

The Fire Marshall will call out working space violations based on his regulations.
 
Re: Panel Space

Personally I'd love to see a clear path required, but I don't see it being required in the NEC.

:(
Bill
 
Re: Panel Space

I also do not see a requirement in the NEC for the exit path, but I think the building code would require one. Under the 2000 IBC, I think section 1004.3.1 would apply. I think this section would require an aisle of at least 28" width.
 
Re: Panel Space

Hi Bill,

Here are some references from the 2003 IRC
SECTION E3305
EQUIPMENT LOCATION AND CLEARANCES
E3305.5 Access and entrance to working space. Access shall be provided to the required working space.

APPLIANCE ACCESS
M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspec-tion, service, repair and replacementwithout removing perma-nent construction. Thirty inches (762 mm) of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an ap-pliance. Roomheaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. Aplatform shall not be required for room heaters.

M1305.1.2 Appliances in rooms. Appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be ac-cessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passage-way measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and large enough to allowremoval of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door open.
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Re: Panel Space

Dave: I don't think you can use the two references that begin with the letter "M", as these are mechanical code references. Appliances and equipment are defined differently in a mechanical code aspect than electrical equipment. The code that starts with "E", however, would apply.
 
Re: Panel Space

Ryan,

If there is other equipment located beyond this narrow path, then these references are applicable.
I was meerly trying to provide a reference.

Not to mention, when there are no direct references to a specific subject but there is applicable intent, shouldn't we look at these areas and learn from their guidelines?

As far as the NEC:

90.1 Purpose.
(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.

(B) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use.

Accessible (as applied to equipment). Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.

110.3 Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment.
(A) Examination. In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
(8) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment.
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There is plenty here in the NEC that an AHJ could stand on.
 
Re: Panel Space

Dave: I don't disagree with your opinion, but I do disagree with the references you cite.

I should have looked up the definitions in the IRC before I opened my mouth. The definition of appliance in the IRC is (paraphrase) "something that uses energy and for which this code has provisions". That same definition is in the mechanical code. In the mechanical code, that would include RTU's, boilers, etc... In the IRC that definition applies VERY differently. That would include water heaters, panelboards, fuel burning appliances, etc...

I think I will submit a code change for the next cycle. The intent is not the same, in my opinion.
 
Re: Panel Space

NFPA 101 could also come to play.

There is no specific wording as far as egress width in Mechanical rooms, length of travel is covered. 7.12

However 4.6.1.2 and 4.6.1.3 gives the AHJ some leverage in judging and requiring modifications to "death traps"

Roger
 
Re: Panel Space

Originally posted by websparky:
when there are no direct references to a specific subject but there is applicable intent, shouldn't we look at these areas and learn from their guidelines?
Click to expand...
I fear the word intent, IMO the inspector or AHJ should only enforce what is spelled out in black and white very directly.

How can I as an installer know what to expect from one inspector to the next if an inspector is using their opinion of the codes intent?

JMO, Bob
 
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