Panelboards and xfmrs in janitors closet

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masterelect1

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an existing janitors closet with a wet sink and 10 gallon hot water heater has now been turned into an electrical room with 3 panelboards - one at 225 amp main and the others @ 100 amps each and 2 associated xfmrs. I assert that the foriegn equipment (heater and sink) must be relocated as per 110-26F.

The owner does not want to pay the relocation cost.(surprise, surprise)!

I feel there is a shock hazard as we are talking about running water here, in addition to unqualified personnel entering the space.

Thoughts and comments please.

Thanks, John
 
masterelect1 said:
I assert that the foriegn equipment (heater and sink) must be relocated as per 110-26F.
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Is there an actual space conflict?

masterelect1 said:
I feel there is a shock hazard as we are talking about running water here, in addition to unqualified personnel entering the space.
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Is this the real reason?
 
As long as the sink and heater are not within the dedicated space ( 110-26(F)(1)(a) ) or the working space (110.26(A)) of the panelboards, I don't think there are any Code violations.
 
masterelect1 said:
I assert that the foriegn equipment (heater and sink) must be relocated as per 110-26F.
Click to expand...


The use of the term dedicated space does not mean a dedicated room. Read the definition in 110.26(F)(1).
 
Sorry, but I must agree with the others. I do not see a shock hazzard or any other danger, provided (as has already been said) the required clearances are maintained. As to "dedicated space," that term refers to the area directly above and below the panel itself, not the room in which the panel is located.

The only case of which I am aware in which the room cannot have foreign systems is the case of a transformer vault, as described in 450.47. I mention that because I find it important to note that they specifically forbid foreign pipes from entering this type of room, but do not have similar prohibitions in article 408 (Panelboards).
 
this is a very congested room and as such, the clear working spaces are BARELY beyond the 3 ft tolerance. The owner is ,once again, accepting bare minimums as outlined by the NEC.

I understand the clear working space concept as defined by the "footprint" above the equipment. I was hoping that there was somethiing I was missing. I am, as an inspector, getting a bit tired of the bare minimum approach
to what I feel is are bad situations. I am anticipating a scenario where a janitor is slinging around a wet mop within 3 ft of an energized transformer and all hell breaks loose when water comes (somehow) in contact with live parts. You know it can happen.

Thanks, john
 
The way I read your OP though, is that the "foriegn" equipment in that room is not the water heater and the sink, but the panels. If this was plan checked, it should have been caught then.

I also may not like it, but I don't think that it's a violation either.
 
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