Working Clearances

[Nate Scott]

When measuring front working clearances can you take in account a doorway area that leads out of the room. Example: Say you have a transformer on the floor in a electrical room & you have 2 feet to the doorway that has a door that is lockable but you could prop open the door to get the proper clearances.The width of the door is wider than the transformer. Does having a panelboard instead of a transformer change the question for proper clearances.

 

[charlie]

When measuring front working clearances can you take in account a doorway area that leads out of the room?

In my opinion, the door is acceptable to meet the requirements of 110.26 as long as it can be secured open and while it is open, it will provide all the clearance requirements. However, it is just my opinion. You will need to discuss this with the AHJ to see if you are permitted to do this.

 

[RUWired]

When measuring front working clearances can you take in account a doorway area that leads out of the room. Example: Say you have a transformer on the floor in a electrical room & you have 2 feet to the doorway that has a door that is lockable but you could prop open the door to get the proper clearances.The width of the door is wider than the transformer. Does having a panelboard instead of a transformer change the question for proper clearances.

I don't think 110.26 applies to transformers.Transformers in general do not need servicing adjusting while energized.
Rick

 

[BLUEDEVIL]

it should be acceptable but i am not your AHJ.....

 

[K8MHZ]

it should be acceptable but i am not your AHJ.....

Agreed. That being said I have found that establishing a good working relationship with the AHJ will work wonders in getting a clear slip. So far, it has worked for me. If they realize you are on the same page as they are they will go out of their way to work with you. If they don't trust you they will do everything they can to cut you off at the knees. All y'all may argue my take all you want but my personal experience has shown that it works.

 

[JohnJ0906]

When measuring front working clearances can you take in account a doorway area that leads out of the room. Example: Say you have a transformer on the floor in a electrical room & you have 2 feet to the doorway that has a door that is lockable but you could prop open the door to get the proper clearances.The width of the door is wider than the transformer. Does having a panelboard instead of a transformer change the question for proper clearances.

We just finished a job that we did exactly this.

The xfrmr was upsized from 75 kva to 125 kva, and was too large for the original location. The only place to get clearance was to place it by the door and use the doorway for the clearance.