Working Spaces

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Karl H

Senior Member
Location
San Diego,CA
I'm looking for a code ref. that would permit or not permit me to install a
panel behind a door. I have 36" depth and 30" width when the door is closed.
But,I do not have this clear space with the door open. I've checked the archives but I've yet to see a code reff.This panel is 208 3ph.The situation
with the door closed is condition one.
 
I've had inspectors here tell me this is a no no. When pressed they say someone could open the door from the other side and the door swing could hit a person while they're working on the panel. The only time they'd permit this now is if there's a sign over the panel stating that the door must be locked and the room on the other side unoccupied while this panel is being worked on.

I still don't believe this is a Code issue that they can enforce. I agree with their opinion about the risk of having the panel in front of a door. I disagree with their authority to enforce this opinion.
 
From the 2008 ROP

1-99 Log #691 NEC-P01 Final Action: Reject
(110.26)
_____________________________________________________________
Submitter: Timothy Schultheis, H.F.Lenz Company
Recommendation: Revise as follows:
11 0.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operations and maintenance of such equipment. Enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by a lock(s) shall be considered accessible to qualified persons. Where the entrance has a personnel door(s), the door(s) shall open in the direction of egress, or while open, not interfering with working spaces .
Substantiation: Please see the diagrams that I have provided.
Note: Supporting Material is available for review at NFPA headquarters.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: Section 11 0.26 is a general statement regarding working spaces about electrical equipment. There is no mention in this section of an
entrance, so the proposed language would be out of place in the paragraph. CMP-1 refers the submitter to NEC Section 11 0.26(C)(1) as it requires at least one entrance to working space. Additionally, the proposed language currently exists in Section 11 0.26(C)(2) for large equipment and repeating the text would cause confusion and conflict. CMP-1 appreciates the diagrams submitted and understands the concerns, but notes that the scenarios presented are work practice issues too. Adding specific requirements to all entrances to working spaces will not prevent poor work practices.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12
 
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