Working space clearance

[rey-man]

along the length of a corridor is a 24 inch piping running along the floor. On the wall, a motor controller is supposed to be installed above the piping.

Is there any clearance or accesibiltiy issues?

please direct me to a section in the code, if there is any.

 

[augie47]

110.26(A)(3)

(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). Within the height requirements of this section, other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation and is located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electrical equipment.

 

[infinity]

The pipe cannot be in the dedicated space of the equipment, either above or below it. The working space is another issue.

 

[charlie b]

Not so fast; this might not be as simple as it appears. A motor controller is not one of the components that requires "dedicated space." So having a pipe directly above or below the controller does not violate that rule. Regarding "working clearance," does it not begin at the front face of the enclosure? If so, then what matters is the depth of the controller. If it extends further from the wall than the pipe does, then you can stand in front of the controller and have the proper working space. Nothing requires you to be able to put your feet under the equipment that you are servicing.

 

[dkidd]

other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation

The pipe doesn't fall under this. The face of the starter would have to be 24" out. Then, since it is a corridor, I doubt the depth would be there.

 

[infinity]

Not so fast; this might not be as simple as it appears. A motor controller is not one of the components that requires "dedicated space." So having a pipe directly above or below the controller does not violate that rule. Regarding "working clearance," does it not begin at the front face of the enclosure? If so, then what matters is the depth of the controller. If it extends further from the wall than the pipe does, then you can stand in front of the controller and have the proper working space. Nothing requires you to be able to put your feet under the equipment that you are servicing.

Opps, I agree since the dedicated space would not apply to this installation. I thought panelboard not motor controller. If it falls under 110.26(A) it still would require the working space.

 

[charlie b]

other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation. The pipe doesn't fall under this.

It doesn't have to. If it were associated (i.e., a transformer), then it could extend 6 inches further from the wall than the face of the enclosure. But since it is not associated, it cannot extend beyond the face of the enclosure.

The face of the starter would have to be 24" out. Then, since it is a corridor, I doubt the depth would be there.

I might doubt it as well. But it is a question of fact as to the width of the corridor. If there is room, then the controller is allowed to be above the pipe.