Working space at a motor

[eleceng09]

Do the working space requirements of the NEC pertain to the area in front of a motor terminal box?

Thanks

 

[buddhakii]

I would say it is a junction box you are talking about so it would just have to be accessible.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It is my opinion that the subjective general rule found in the first sentence of 110.26 applies, but the more specific rules in 110.26(A) do not apply.

 

[eleceng09]

Thanks for your responses.

 

[petersonra]

It is my opinion that the subjective general rule found in the first sentence of 110.26 applies, but the more specific rules in 110.26(A) do not apply.

Thats interesting because I might well have argued the exact opposite. Could you elaborate on your thinking?

I realize that common practice often puts motors where there is virtually no working space, but I am not real sure it is up to code. i suppsoe one could argue that there are no exposed wiring inside the jbox head.

 

[buddhakii]

It is my opinion that the subjective general rule found in the first sentence of 110.26 applies, but the more specific rules in 110.26(A) do not apply.

Is a juncion box electrical equipment?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

There is no question that a junciton box is electrical equipment. My position is that the motor connections are not likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. If the connections are not likely to be worked on while energized, the more restrictive rules in 110.26(A) are not triggered.
This is assuming the standard motor without a terminal block and where the wire connections are insultated. I might look at it the other way for motor terminal boxes that have exposed terminal connections.

 

[buddhakii]

If a junction box is electrical equipment and the working space in 110.26(A) applies I've been installing j-boxes in attics wrong this whole time. But I see your point. J-boxes would fall under the definition of equipment.