Working Space for existing installations in older buildings?

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olc

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Working space requirements:
Are panelboards (with remote disconnect) ?likely to require ?serving?while energized??
Are fused main disconnects ?likely to require ?serving?while energized??
If so:
What about existing situations (existing older buildings) where someone has come in later and installed a pipe (or water meter, or wall) in the working space? Does the owner have responsibility to go in later and correct the situation?
 
That question best rests with the AHJ. The panel is generally seen as needing to comply with 110.26, whereas a fused disconnect is open to interpretation.
 
And I will say what I aways say about this section. All electrical equipment is likely to be serviced or examined while energized and is covered by the workspace rules. I will continue to say this is what the rule requires until such time that the CMP accepts wording changes that would limit the application of the rule to specific equipment and not make it apply to all electrical equipment as the words now say. Please note the Article 100 definition of "equipment"
 
The panelboards (in my case) can be easily disconnected).
I assume that if for some reason a fuse had to be replaced, that something in the safety switch is hot (incoming lugs).

What do you do if a plumber comes in a year later and installs a meter right in front of the panelboard?
 
Well if it's me, someone is going to move something.

I made a call awhile back, closet built around a main panel board. The didn't make the closet big enough, because they didn't want to order bigger doors. I told them that they either needed to make the closet deeper or wider, either one was fine. Went all the way to the building official. I told him that he could sign anything he wanted, but my correction stood. They made the closet wider.

I was in a room one time with a fish tape all coiled up in a live panel and the only thing keeping it from touching the main lugs was my gloved hand stuck in the panel (long story), the room gave me exactly 3' between the panel and the wall. Ever since I've been an inspector, that's been my one pet peeve. 3' is 3', close is not good enough.
 
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