×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

(OP)
I have a lineup of 15kV switchgear which will be installed in a prefabricated building.  The switchgear has rear access in order to access the bus and incoming & feeder cable terminations.  The building manufacturer indicates that NEC 110.34(A) Exception takes precedance here because the end user should not open the rear doors while the gear is energized.  Thus, the switchgear can be less than 6'-0" from the wall of the building.  

Is this true?  Has anyone else run into a similar situation?

Thank you

RE: Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

It is very unlikely that you would work on the energized bus, so the exception would apply.
Don

RE: Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

We've used this exception as well.

Mike

RE: Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

I have used and tried to use as well.  Some AHJ will take the position that even though it's not supposed to be worked on it can be opened when hot.
Opening it up to do an Ir scan is "wokring on it".  
It would be wise to get the AHJ to review and respond in writing.

RE: Working Clearances (NEC table 110.34(A))

We also have had local AHJ's require any panel which provides access for any maintenance work, torqueing lugs, performing scans, taking load readings, etc..., be provided with the necessary clearances per the tables.  Since it is not normal for these to be opened while energized, the AHJ may allow you to eliminate the clearances, perhaps requiring added signage or something along those lines, but it really is his call.  Again, careful with regards to differing opinions between office and field staff of the AHJ's organization.  Sometimes what the plan checker says is acceptable, may not be ok with the Electrical Inspectors.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources