switches next to sink in deli

[GerryB]

In this existing deli they moved a sink and the contractor thought the switches couldn't be right next to the sink. I told him I think they are ok but being commercial I am not positive. He also located the sink 3' from the existing surface mount panel because someone told him it had to be 3' away, I don't know about that either but probably a good idea. The switches are in wiremold mounted to or directly above the stainless steel backsplash. They are having a health inspection so I don't even know if they check things like that, but another thing I saw was outlets (2) stubbed up about 4" above the tile floor, gfi but with regular wall plates on them. Is that code? One was 240v, and my job is to swap the location of the 240 to the other one.

 

[jumper]

Legal. No 3' rule for switches, resi or commercial that I know of.

 

[GoldDigger]

If by outlets you mean receptacle outlets, and they are currently 4" above a tile floor in a commercial kitchen, I would be inclined to put in-use covers on them to facilitate both mopping and spraydown of the floor for cleaning. I do not think that code requires that unless somebody makes a formal determination that it is a wet area.
As for the surface mount panel, I would not care about the sink in particular, but I would question whether there is the required 3' width of working space in front of the panel, not necessarily centered on the panel. If it is above a fixed countertop, it is a technical violation. If they just park a cart under it from time to time and do not store it there, it would not necessarily be a violation.

 

[kwired]

If expected to get wet on any kind of regular basis put them in watertight enclosures (the switch and/or the panel).

Chances are they are not expected to get wet unless in an area where they wash everything down.

 

[GerryB]

Thanks for the replies. The panel is not above the counter and has proper clearances. The floor outlets then are ok and they are in EMT and bell boxes but with regular plastic covers.

 

[Hendrix]

Thanks for the replies. The panel is not above the counter and has proper clearances. The floor outlets then are ok and they are in EMT and bell boxes but with regular plastic covers.

I would, at least, put damp location covers on the recepts.

 

[Cavie]

Thanks for the replies. The panel is not above the counter and has proper clearances. The floor outlets then are ok and they are in EMT and bell boxes but with regular plastic covers.

EMT will rot out. Been there, Done that.