working space problems

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billclou

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I have an installation of service switch gear that has been allowed to rust and corrode and REALLY needs to be replaced (no housekeeping pad...water on the floor..(you get the picture). The service is 2400A 208Y120V consisting of multiple cabinets facing each other on either side of a long electric room. The room is all concrete, floor, walls and ceiling. The existing clearance from face to face of the cabinets is 40". The new switchgear cabinets are now made deeper, and when replaced will cause working space problems.

My question is: "Does anyone know of an exception in the code that will allow the AHJ to allow an infringement of the minimum clear distance for equipment replacement??" Seems I have seen a Mike Holt article referring to an exception but I can't find it.

Thanks,
Bill

P.S. in the event that this post is repeated...I apologize...Seems I was having trouble with my log in.
 
Bill,

See 110.26, (A)(1)(c) in particular, along with 110.26(c) in it's entirety.
 
Based on my understanding of what you have, you will need a minimum clearance of 36" (0-150V to ground) and TWO exits since you are over 1200A (2400A?).



I agree with others that if you can't get the above, I can't see an inspector sticking his neck out. Nor should you!

Just how deep will the new gear be and what will be the net clearance?

How will you keep the water out in the future?
 
billclou said:
My question is: "Does anyone know of an exception in the code that will allow the AHJ to allow an infringement of the minimum clear distance for equipment replacement??"
Click to expand...

Are you in NJ?

If so, the Rehab Code could be your best friend on this "repair" ;)
 
Ragin Cajun said:
Based on my understanding of what you have, you will need a minimum clearance of 36" (0-150V to ground) and TWO exits since you are over 1200A (2400A?).



I agree with others that if you can't get the above, I can't see an inspector sticking his neck out. Nor should you!

Just how deep will the new gear be and what will be the net clearance?

How will you keep the water out in the future?
Click to expand...

The water problem has been repaired...We will also install 2" housekeeping pads as part of the change. The net clearance will be about 34" (depending on Edisons depth requirements on their UGPS.

Thanks to all for your input.
 
They picked 36 not 34.If an electrician gets killed you can bet the farm they will claim that extra 2 inches would saved him.How good is your insurance ?Willing to risk it at the cost of being out of buisness and perhaps prison.People today sue over anything and most win.
 
It won't be the first time that a new room addition had to be built to mount new service equipment and unit substaions. Won't be the last either. Either pass on the job or lay down the bad news for them. Working space is very important to me. Apparently it is to the authors of the NEC also.

Consequently, you can have gear custom built to certain dimensional requirements if need be. Have you looked into that? The lead time is long, but that route might help you out.
 
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