Walk-in Electrical Closet vs Reach-in Electrical Closet

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ericakoe

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I am working on a medical office building that is adding a 30kW standby generator. They don't have a good location to add all the gear (ATS, Controls, 100 amp panel, etc) and have decided to mount it on an existing wall in their small lobby. Due to special limitations, is it OK to do a reach-in closet for this application so long as we have all the clearance per codes? If so, what are the recrements?
 
There are very few instances in which the code requires a separate room for electrical components. This is not one of them. Yes, you can do what you describe. I should think that you, as an architect, would have some reservations over the aesthetics of the situation. I work with architects every day, and most of them would look hard for other solutions. But as long as you are happy, the electrical code official should be happy.
 
What's a reach-in closet? If there will be an opening around the equipment that does not go down to the floor then you will run afoul of the working space requirements unless the face of the equipment is flush with the exterior of the wall.
 
infinity said:
What's a reach-in closet? If there will be an opening around the equipment that does not go down to the floor then you will run afoul of the working space requirements unless the face of the equipment is flush with the exterior of the wall.
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He's talking about an enclosure maybe 12" deep with a door on it.

-Hal
 
The basic requirement is that when a person is standing in front of the panel, there must be a clear space that is at least 30 inches wide (or the width of the panel, if that is more), at least 78 inches high, and at least 3 feet deep (that becomes 3-1/2 feet for a 480 volt panel). You can take credit for the space outside the closet as meeting the depth requirement, if its one or more doors open at least 90 degrees (so they are out of the way) and if they leave open a space 30 inches wide and 78 inches high. That will establish the size of the door(s).
 
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