Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
(OP)
If two panel boards are located across an isle from each other, what is the total distance required between the face of the two panels? (<600 V, No live parts on either side of panel) If I'm interpretting NEC 110.26(A)(1)correctly, I think it should be 3 ft. for each panel (6 ft. total). Or should it be 3 ft. total?
Panel 1
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L Total Distance
E |
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v
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Panel 2
Panel 1
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^
I |
S |
L Total Distance
E |
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v
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Panel 2





RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
I would classify your application as condition three if both panels will have live parts exposed at any time (of which I doubt). So with 150-600V to ground, your clearance required would be 4 feet. If only one panel will have live parts exposed at any time then one panel will effectively be grounded and the other panel will have exposed parts so condition 2 would apply and the clearance should be 3.5 feet. Thats how I would interpret this section of the NEC. Keep in mind that I am no expert either but feel comfortable with my statements above.
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
This is clearly a "Condition 3" in the NEC and the required distance is 3.5 feet if 150 to ground or less, or 4 feet if more than 150 volts to ground. In fact, this is exactly the situation that defines Condition 3 in the NEC handbook published by NFPA. (Well, OK, they show a two switcboards facing each other, not panelboards - but same situation.)
This situation has always been interpreted as Condition 3 by every engineer and inspector that I known. And that is several inspectors too many.
This one is pretty clear cut, at least in my experience.
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
You definitely don't need 6' as you originally thought.
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
By the way, just what isle are the panels located on? ;0)
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
Couldn't you measure volts and amps by turning power off, open the cover, applying the meter, close the cover with the leads run out of the panel door, then re energize the panel?
I'm just raising some possibilities. Of course the inevitable thermo scan will require examination while energized. Other thoughts?
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle
RE: Panel Boards Opposite Across an Isle