Spacing between electrical panel

[dan decastra]

How does one interpret the section of NEC 110.26? Is it required that panels have 30 inches between them when installed? Or is this just a working space clearance. For exmple can I place two lighting panels 20 inches apart on a wall that is 8 feet wide? The panels are located in the center of the wall and have 4 feet clearance in the front. I have been asked why the panels are not installed with 30 inches between them.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

How does one interpret the section of NEC 110.26? Is it required that panels have 30 inches between them when installed? Or is this just a working space clearance. For exmple can I place two lighting panels 20 inches apart on a wall that is 8 feet wide? The panels are located in the center of the wall and have 4 feet clearance in the front. I have been asked why the panels are not installed with 30 inches between them.

You do not need 30 inches between them. If you put 2 panels that are 15 inches wide next to each other then you have maintained the 30 inch clearance.

 

[celtic]

For exmple can I place two lighting panels 20 inches apart on a wall that is 8 feet wide?

From an NEC point-of-view, that is a legal installation according to 110.26:

 

[charlie b]

You can have panels literally side-by-side, with only enough space between them to prevent their covers from bumping into each other. If when you open one panel's door, it covers the panel face next to it, that is not a problem. The 30 inch requirement starts at the front face, and goes side to side. If you have two 22 inch panels side by side, the total width is 44 inches. If the space in front is clear for all 44 inches of that width, to a depth of 36 inches (or 42, depending on the voltage level), you have met the rules.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[celtic]

The accompanying text for the image above from the NECH (NEC Handbook - not enforceable):

Regardless of the width of the electrical equipment, the working space cannot be less than 30 in. wide. This allows an individual to have at least shoulder-width space in front of the equipment. This 30-in. measurement can be made from either the left or the right edge of the equipment and can overlap other electrical equipment, provided the other equipment does not extend beyond the clearance required by Table 110.26(A)(1). If the equipment is wider than 30 in., the left-to-right space must be equal to the width of the equipment. See Exhibit 110.10 for an explanation of the 30-in. width requirement.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

From an NEC point-of-view, that is a legal installation according to 110.26:
That is a legal install but the panels don't need to be that far apart.

 

[steelersman]

From an NEC point-of-view, that is a legal installation according to 110.26:

this illustration is very confusing to me. I don't understand why it shows the panels far apart when they can be right next to each other with no problem. What is it trying to illustrate?

 

[celtic]

From an NEC point-of-view, that is a legal installation according to 110.26:

That is a legal install but the panels don't need to be that far apart.

They could be closer or further apart.
I didn't draw the picture

Here is a picture I did draw:

The panels are right next to each other, while still allowing a 90? swing on the doors.

this illustration is very confusing to me. I don't understand why it shows the panels far apart when they can be right next to each other with no problem. What is it trying to illustrate?

It it showing that the 30" requirement is NOT edge to edge.

The question asked was:

For exmple can I place two lighting panels 20 inches apart on a wall that is 8 feet wide?

The panels are located in the center of the wall and have 4 feet clearance in the front. I have been asked why the panels are not installed with 30 inches between them.

Too which the answer is:

Regardless of the width of the electrical equipment, the working space cannot be less than 30 in. wide. This allows an individual to have at least shoulder-width space in front of the equipment. This 30-in. measurement can be made from either the left or the right edge of the equipment and can overlap other electrical equipment, provided the other equipment does not extend beyond the clearance required by Table 110.26(A)(1). If the equipment is wider than 30 in., the left-to-right space must be equal to the width of the equipment. See Exhibit 110.10 for an explanation of the 30-in. width requirement.