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Thursday, June 23, 2022
Question:
Thank you for this Code Forum. Hi,
NEC - Part II (1000 Volts…or Less), 110.26 (A) Working Space. says:
Working space for equipment operating at 1000 volts…and "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26 (A)…”
110.26 specifies clearance of 3 feet in front (etc.)
My question:
The breaker panel only requires attention to add or replace a breaker and that would be done by de-energizing the panel first. So, if the panel is de-energized, that means that the 3+ foot clearance spec does NOT apply, correct!?
Thanks
Tony Armendariz
A
Answer:
Hello Tony,
Section 110.26 indicates that access and working space shall be provided and maintained for all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. In addition subdivision (A) goes on to indicate that working space for equipment operating at 1000 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), and (A)(4) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code. The requirement takes into consideration that the tasks mentioned in the rule will be performed at what time or other over the life of the installation. There is no exception that relaxes the requirement if the equipment is de-energized. Besides de-energizing equipment (establishing an electrically safe work condition) in accordance with NFPA 70E involves verifying the absence of voltage, which is considered energized work and appropriate PPE must be worn during that step of the process. The minimum working spaces required by Table 110.26(A) apply.