Our pipefitters have routed a steam line directly above a couple of NEMA-1 electrical panels. It has been pointed out that this is a potential violation of NEC 110.34(F) which states: "Pipes or ducts foreign to the electrical installation and requiring periodic maintenance or whose malfunction would endanger the operation of the electrical system shall not be located in the vicinity of the service equipment..."
I contend that the steam line above the panels is not necessarily a Code violation, as the pipe does not need periodic maintenance and its failure (a leak), though highly unlikely, would manifest as cloud of steam vapor and not as drops of water falling onto the panels.
What say you? Do they need to move the steam pipe, or is it OK?
Thanks!
Steve
I contend that the steam line above the panels is not necessarily a Code violation, as the pipe does not need periodic maintenance and its failure (a leak), though highly unlikely, would manifest as cloud of steam vapor and not as drops of water falling onto the panels.
What say you? Do they need to move the steam pipe, or is it OK?
Thanks!
Steve