Is there any exception to the basic rule of 110.26(A)(1) when special permission as allowed by 110.26(A)(1)(b) was not obtained prior to installation of 24V low voltage termination boxes serving mechanical equipment in tight ceiling spaces. Inspector has red tagged the installation due to foreign systems passing through the working space and is refusing special permission now since it would imply approving a Code violation. Any other way out of this? Thanks.
Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
- Thread starter rg1
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- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
The exercise of ?special permission,? when the code gives the AHJ the authority to grant that permission, is not the endorsement of a code violation. Your AHJ is wrong about that interpretation. Instead, if the AHJ grants that ?special permission,? he or she is merely acting within the code?s parameters.
The exercise of ?special permission,? when the code gives the AHJ the authority to grant that permission, is not the endorsement of a code violation. Your AHJ is wrong about that interpretation. Instead, if the AHJ grants that ?special permission,? he or she is merely acting within the code?s parameters.
john m. caloggero
Senior Member
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
You and your inspector have to read the 2005 NEC section 110.26(A)(1)(b)very carefully. The rule states "Low Voltage. By special permission, smaller working space shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts dc." THE PHRASE "shall be permitted" THE WORD "shall" MAKES IT MANDATORY THAT THE AHJ HAS TO "allow" the permission!! See 2005 NEC Section 90.5(B).
You and your inspector have to read the 2005 NEC section 110.26(A)(1)(b)very carefully. The rule states "Low Voltage. By special permission, smaller working space shall be permitted where all exposed live parts operate at not greater than 30 volts rms, 42 volts peak, or 60 volts dc." THE PHRASE "shall be permitted" THE WORD "shall" MAKES IT MANDATORY THAT THE AHJ HAS TO "allow" the permission!! See 2005 NEC Section 90.5(B).
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
Thank you all. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Caloggero as I wasn't expecting that one of the editors of the NEC would respond to my question.
New info: I have discovered that the jurisdiction involved had issued an official interpretation not long ago that described what is required by "special permission". In it they stated that "Special permission is not intended to be used to redress a code violation" which according to the above could be argued. However, they added the requirement that "special permission can only be granted if the petition is submitted in writing prior to installation." Since it appears that they amended the NEC, we may be out of luck.
Thanks again for your responses.
Thank you all. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Caloggero as I wasn't expecting that one of the editors of the NEC would respond to my question.
New info: I have discovered that the jurisdiction involved had issued an official interpretation not long ago that described what is required by "special permission". In it they stated that "Special permission is not intended to be used to redress a code violation" which according to the above could be argued. However, they added the requirement that "special permission can only be granted if the petition is submitted in writing prior to installation." Since it appears that they amended the NEC, we may be out of luck.
Thanks again for your responses.
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
Mr. Caloggero makes a good point. However, the code doesn't say "how much" the AHJ has to reduce the working space. If you inspector only agrees to reduce the depth from 3' to 2'-11", you are probably still out of luck.
Steve
Mr. Caloggero makes a good point. However, the code doesn't say "how much" the AHJ has to reduce the working space. If you inspector only agrees to reduce the depth from 3' to 2'-11", you are probably still out of luck.
Steve
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
Perhaps a code change is in order? Anyone want to give it a go?
This appears to be a contradiction in terms. I agree with your interpretation of 90.5(B). However, there is still the requirement to obtain the permission. Nothing in any code or law can ever require anyone to give permission. The notion of ?permission? conveys the option of granting or denying. If a person is required to grant, then it is no longer ?permission.?
Perhaps a code change is in order? Anyone want to give it a go?
john m. caloggero
Senior Member
Re: Working Space in Front of Low Voltage Terminations Box
Gentlemen: Section 110.26(A)(1)(b)first appeared in the 1981 NEC as Exc. No. 2. Based on my recollection of the Code Pane discussion and the Technical Comm. Report, It was the intent to allow a reduction in work space, as long as there was sufficient space to operate the equipment and sufficient space to allow accessibility to it, or where the voltages were no greater than 30V RMS or 42V DC. This rule was made less restrictive in the 1999 edition.
Gentlemen: Section 110.26(A)(1)(b)first appeared in the 1981 NEC as Exc. No. 2. Based on my recollection of the Code Pane discussion and the Technical Comm. Report, It was the intent to allow a reduction in work space, as long as there was sufficient space to operate the equipment and sufficient space to allow accessibility to it, or where the voltages were no greater than 30V RMS or 42V DC. This rule was made less restrictive in the 1999 edition.
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