Working Space - Elevation change

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SOLAR CHAMPION

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Hi, I am trying to elevate a pre-engineered skid above grade. The skid has MV equipt. with working space windows that extend off the skid. Are there limitations to the difference between the grade where a person would stand in the working space and the elevation of the mounting surface of the equipt. other than max height? Please advise, Thanks
 
I understand the question to involve a skid that is located on a flat surface, and there is a drop of some distance in front of the skid, and there is sufficient working space on that lower surface. In other words, when you are working on the skid, your shoes are on a surface that is lower than the base of the skid.

I don't believe the NEC addresses this question. It would likely be an AHJ call. There is a very common situation that is similar to your description. Switchboards are frequently mounted on a housekeeping pad that is perhaps 4-6" high and that extends past the front of the switchboard by perhaps 6".

I recall this topic being discussed on the forum a long while ago. Someone posted a photo of a panel mounted on a pole, outdoors, with the ground sloping away from the front of the panel. I don't think anyone liked that installation. But I don't remember whether we concluded that it violated the code.
 
ActionDave said:
I don't understand your question. 6'7" max to the center of the main breaker measured from where you are standing. It can be lower.
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The OP is asking about variation of the grade/platform below the working space. In the OP's example, some of the working space would be on the skid, while the remainder would be on grade. The NEC doesn't strictly require a flat grade/floor/platform below the working space, but it also doesn't quantify how non-flat it can be.
 
Agree as others have said - not addressed in the code. AHJ call. I lean conservative and suggest include the clearance, regardless of height change. Especially since this is likely hyperscale data center client with opportunities for moving skid and it has MV on it.
 
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