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Monday, May 15, 2017

Question:

We have a custodian that leaves the door to the electrical room open. The electrical room is in the teachers' lounge/ copy room. We have told him to keep it shut. Is there a certain code that says that door should be shut? If so, could you reference the # so I can show him. Thanks

Doug Gerke

A

Answer:

Hey Doug thanks for your question. Live parts that are 50 volts to 1000 volts must be guarded (such as being in an enclosure) as stated in 110.27. Access and working space must be provided and maintained as stated in 110.26. Neither of these rules requires a room, a door or for the door to be closed or locked although locking doors is allowed as stated in 110.26(F). So if the live parts are guarded the door is not required to be closed but many believe locking the door to limit access to unqualified persons is a very good idea. Maybe suggest to the custodian that they ether keep the door closed and locked or move their supplies and lock the door without giving the custodian a key.

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