Small electrical room

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RickLight

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Hi All - My first post even though I've been reading here awhile.

A question has surfaced about an electrical room so small the double door has to be open to work on anything. I've checked everything I can on this and not found a clear yes/no.

FACTS:
  • with the doors open there will be ~8' of space, closed will leave just a bit over 12" worst case.
  • not built yet so changes are possible.
  • only electrical equipment in the room!!
  • will have dimmer racks with integral breakers, cooling fans and some network & DMX gear.
  • doors are to be wood, solid core

An architect proposed this and plans may have been seen by an electrician. I don't want to raise a stink without being sure.

Thanks in advance
 
I don't see any issues other than ventilation for the dimmer racks.

We do this as well, shallow closets for electrical gear that the doors have to be open to have the working space.

Have not seen an inspector yet have an issue with it but I guess some would.
 
Are you saying this equipment is in what is essentially a "closet" that doesn't have proper 110.26 workspace, unless the "closet door(s) is open?

I don't really have much problem with that, but some AHJ's possibly would and your AHJ at this installation is who matters most.
 
So the ONLY way for someone to service the energized equipment is have the doors wide open, I don't see a problem with it. But as mentioned earlier I would worry about heat.

2nd, if the AHJ does approve it, what is your concern??

Besides, it is good that you are aware of the possible issue and are making an stink about it. Maybe the others have not noticed it and it will be way too late afterwards.



The CBO of our town had approved a set of plans and did not notice the size of the electrical room. Now that the inspector has shown up and cited the room for being too small but the EC says the plans were approved by the CBO.
 
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It doesn't take "tools" to open the door, what's the problem?

I have seen this quite often and even done it myself. See it in hospitals.

Just be sure the depth isn't too deep so some clown can't mount stuff on the side.



RC
 
Ragin Cajun said:
It doesn't take "tools" to open the door, what's the problem?

I have seen this quite often and even done it myself. See it in hospitals.

Just be sure the depth isn't too deep so some clown can't mount stuff on the side.



RC
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The only problem is a maintenance one. The "closet" will have to remain free of combustible material.
 
Ragin Cajun said:
Just be sure the depth isn't too deep so some clown can't mount stuff on the side.



RC
Click to expand...

This is one reason why I actually would prefer this "closet" over a larger room, it limits what may be placed in there - the smaller the closet, or should I say the tighter the equipment fits in the closet, the less foreign material there is that could possibly be placed in the working space. It does potentially limit future equipment additions though.

No matter how tight you make this closet fit the equipment though, most of the time they will find something to store in there.
 
Good to hear from you all so quickly.

Yes to your questions/guesses. Doors will likely be locked, but no other way to work on the equipment. Commercial (school theater) with 120V dimming racks from a 208V/3ph feed. These are hardwired dimmers, concerts are usually touring affairs and use portable equipment.

My concern is only whether the closet will have to be rebuilt if an inspector complains. Sounds like we won't have an issue, if there isn't a clear line then the AHJ will likely be reasonable.

FWIW: DMX is showing up in new places. It's something I am deeply familiar with and am getting asked to help on non-theater jobs. Sure beats running 512 0-10V pairs.

Thanks!
 
Also, make sure the room does not get built around the existing equipment. If you need to replace or upgrade the equipment you don't have to tear out the room just to get the equipment out.
 
As long as the doors are not directly in front of the equipment, there is no issue with this installation. I, like many others here, have either installed it or allowed it to be installed this way. The AHJ has the final authority but it should be fine. Take a few minutes and read 110.26(A) and pay attention to the exceptions under Table 110.26(A)(1)
 
sbutler said:
As long as the doors are not directly in front of the equipment.....
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IMO, I believe the door have to be directly in front of the equipment. So when they open the equipment will be fully accessible and the 110.26 is not violated.
 
edward said:
So the ONLY way for someone to service the energized equipment is have the doors wide open, I don't see a problem with it. But as mentioned earlier I would worry about heat.

2nd, if the AHJ does approve it, what is your concern??

Besides, it is good that you are aware of the possible issue and are making an stink about it. Maybe the others have not noticed it and it will be way too late afterwards.



The CBO of our town had approved a set of plans and did not notice the size of the electrical room. Now that the inspector has shown up and cited the room for being too small but the EC says the plans were approved by the CBO.
Click to expand...

In NJ, somewhere in the uniform construction code, I believe it makes mention of the fact that no matter what approvals you get, you still have to provide a code compliant installation. In this case, it's just going to be a question of who pays to fix it. For sure, that pocket WILL NOT be attached to the town.
 
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