Unobstructed egress 110.26(C)(2)(a)

[fred p]

I have a remodel job that the architect has decided to close one of the doors to the electrical room. There is currently a 2000 amp switchgear that is 9' wide inside the room as well as multiple 200 amp panel boards. The engineer is claiming that we only need 1 door because we have an unobstructed egress that allows us to not have to adhere to the double clearance rule. Can anyone tell me the exact parameters to meet the requirements of 110.26(C)(2)(a). Also, I would like your opinion on if you use 110.26(C)(2)(b) Extra working clearance, do all panels require double clearance or only the panels rated at 800 amps and larger.

 

[charlie b]

An AHJ in my area told me (a couple years ago) that the door has to be on the wall opposite the "large equipment." In other words, if you are standing in front of the equipment, do a 180 degree turn around, and walk straight to the door, that would qualify as an "unobstructed path." If however, you step back from the panel, and have to turn left or right to be facing the door, that would not qualify. I could not argue against that interpretation (or at least not successfully). So I have adopted it.

Only the "large" equipment would need the double working space.

 

[gadfly56]

To expand on what charlie b has said, I would suggest that if you were anywhere along that gear and turn around, you have to have a straight line to the door handle, not just if you were in front of the middle of the gear. If you have to jink left or right around equipment in that path then it's no-go.

 

[tom baker]

And if there is a violation, its against you not the architect. Perhaps a call or visit the AHJ is in order,