Working space violation or no?

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arcsnsparks98

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Location
Jackson, TN USA
There are multiple cabinets along a wall with non-fused disconnects attached to the upper right side of each one. The cabinets are spaced 18" apart. There is a panelboard within sight of the cabinets to de-energize the circuits. Does 110.26 apply?
 

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If the panelboard is in the same room and "in sight", why the disconnects. Is the disconnect for the circuit that feeds the cabinets? The disconnect could have easily fit between the cabinets. I would say strictly speaking it is a violation.
 
There are two cabinets per circuit. Disconnects are to shut off only one at a time. The wording of 110.26 would indicate that if it is currently a violation then it would be just as much of a violation on the wall between them.
 
I would call it a violation and this is (or was) a common problem with PV inverters when installing multiple ones in a small space.
 
I dont have the exact measurement for depth but I estimate 14-16". They are not likely to require maintenance, adjustment, etc while energized. Why then would the working space requirements of 110.26 apply?
 
arcsnsparks98 said:
They are not likely to require maintenance, adjustment, etc while energized. Why then would the working space requirements of 110.26 apply?
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You are preaching to the choir, I would ague the same thing. :)

However what you and I think is of little consequence it is up to the inspector or AHJ and my experience tells me most times they will apply all of 110.26 to disconnect switches.
 
I think there are good arguments that can be made that nothing "requires" work while energized.

It's another example of wording in the code that has never been well defined and probably never will be.

In this case it would seem to be pretty simple to have rotated it 90 degrees and remove any issue that may or may not be there.
 
My applications are industrial. This would pass because it's readily accessible whether the door is open or closed.
Now, on a machine control panel it would fail if it wasn't interlocked to the door but that's a different question.
Or it might just be a service lockout point so it doesn't have to be interlocked.
or
or
or

There are too many industrial standards on disconnects and their locations to make 110.26 even plausible in an industrial shop being applied to a disconnect.
Voltage measurements can be taken inside the control cabinet in relative safety.
Fuses can be checked after the buss head is locked out.
"... while energized shall comply ..." doesn't fly in our shop. We'd send you home for three days without pay. Lock out the buss even if they rotate it 90.
 
iwire said:
Does that mean you allow disconnects mounted on the wall above but behind outdoor condenser units?
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cowboyjwc said:
Yes
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Good call..... handshake, high five, fist bump, bro hug.... pick one.

I'd prefer you select from the first three.

Things could get awkward if you choose number four but I'm sure that could be shaken off and then I'd go right back to one of the first three.
 
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