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Friday, December 23, 2016
Question:
Hi Charlie, my question has to do with access. In let’s say a multi-story hotel in the hard lid ceiling there is heating, motorized dampers, lighting controls or any number of other electrical appliances or devices with disconnect switches or not, is there anything in the NEC concerning proper access to service or replace items as motors, switches and the like, or is it all out of the building or mechanical codes? Obvious interest in the electrical service, repair and replace aspect with concerns for the professional who performs work on equipment. Thanks for your time. Butch
A
Answer:
Hey Butch thanks for your question and your concern for workers that maintain and service equipment. All electrical equipment must have access and working space as stated in 110.26. If equipment is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized the dimensions in 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), and (A)(4) must be provided. Motors must be located so adequate ventilation is provided and so they can be readily maintained as stated in 430.14. There are other rules such as 240.24 and 404.8 that require some equipment to be readily accessible as that term is defined in Article 100.