Pullbox clearance

[mattelectric]

I have a situation on a job where there is an existing pullbox that needs to be replaced. Sounds simple but the box is almost 7 feet wide and 4 feet tall. It also has 28 4" conduits in it. That asside it only has 20 inches of clearance in front. There is a chiller in the way. 110.26 says minimum 3 feet. Is there a grandfather rule that anyone knows I may be able to work with? I know it is going to cause a problem from install to inspection and I am trying to avoid having to tell the client they need to spend even more money on this. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[eprice]

You mention 3 feet. Are you applying 110.26(A) to this pull box? I wouldn't think there is any more reason to apply 110.26(A) to this pull box than to any j-box. I do think that the first paragraph of 110.26 applies. That part applies to all electrical equipment, but that section doesn't give any specific distances. What clearance is required for ready and safe maintenance would depend on a number of factors and is a judgement call. I would suggest that you talk it over with the AHJ.

 

[celtic]

110.26 says minimum 3 feet.

110.26 does not say you need 3' ...

110.26(A) Working Space.
Working space for equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.

The key phrase is: "...likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized..."

IMHO, a JB does not require any examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance.
Could you imagine not being able to put outlets in the back splash on a counter top due to a 3' clearance rule?

 

[ron]

I agree with the previous posts.
I've heard the technical argument that the conductors may "require examination" ...... "while energized", but it isn't enforced that way. Generally a jbox just needs to be accessible, not readily accessible or requiring working space.

 

[celtic]

I agree with the previous posts.
I've heard the technical argument that the conductors may "require examination" ...... "while energized", but it isn't enforced that way.

How could it be enforced?
Glass trenches

 

[SEO]

I don't think that section 110.26 (A) would apply. Check with AHJ and get his interpertation.

 

[LarryFine]

I've heard the technical argument that the conductors may "require examination" ...... "while energized", but it isn't enforced that way.

How could it be enforced?
Glass trenches

"I'm sorry, sir, I must see what the wires look like when they're energized!"

 

[celtic]

"I'm sorry, sir, I must see what the wires look like when they're energized!"

They look the same as before they were energized, sir.