VFD Clearances

[usher]

Hi,

what are the clearances required around a motor mounted VFD? Does 110.26(A) apply? or there is an exception to it ?

The reason I am asking is I have seen installs on the field which have only 20inches in front, where as if we look at 110.26(A) the minimum clearances required is 36inches.

P.S. I have to install a 460/3/60 5HP motor mounted VFD something like the attached picture:

 

[Jraef]

Most AHJs tend to take the more strict interpretation of that clause, in that the "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized" would apply to anything that has a keypad or controls on the outside, in which case the 36" rule applies. There is nothing special about a VFD that would make it any different.

That doesn't mean that people don't violate it all the time and get away with it, or that you might successfully argue for an exception. But for planning porpoises, I always assume the 36" rule is in effect.