ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by gfretwell - 03/28/24 12:43 AM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
1 members (Scott35), 267 guests, and 17 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#216947 03/18/16 02:51 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 197
T
triple Offline OP
Member
Since most large switchboards placed along a wall tend to be positioned at least a few inches off/away from said wall, does the code allow foreign equipment to be mounted within this gap and under 6' above the electrical equipment? Tecnically, nothing placed within this gap would be within the "footprint" of the gear. Obviously, at some point, the gap does become large enough for other trades to use. Is it one inch, three inches, one foot? Can the AHJ say that even 18" isn't enough?

Stay up to Code with the Latest NEC:


>> 2023 NEC & Related Reference & Exam Prep
2023 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides

Pass Your Exam the FIRST TIME with the Latest NEC & Exam Prep

>> 2020 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides
 

triple #216948 03/18/16 04:12 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
G
Member
Check with your AHJ.
I know that although Chicago says no (because they prohibit foreign items within the footprint and the associated working space); it is allowed in other cities.


Ghost307
triple #216954 03/19/16 01:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 197
T
triple Offline OP
Member
The working space is only in front of the type of equipment I am referring to. For equipment requiring working space behind it, the unit would not be allowed to be placed up against a wall. Sorry, I don't think I described the situation very clearly.

triple #216956 03/19/16 12:10 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
G
Member
I really think the AHJ needs to weigh in on this.
A drain line behind the equipment will cause few problems, a water line could sweat or break, a gas line is a hazard next to electrical equipment.
You also have to consider how you would repair/replace something that is rendered inaccessible after installation.
The 2 of you need to go over the specifics of this installation...I doubt that there is a universal answer to this.


Ghost307
triple #216957 03/19/16 01:53 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 197
T
triple Offline OP
Member
1) The area I am referring to is above the equipment, within six feet vertically of its top, but behind the footprint. If the equipment were 6' from the wall instead of 4" then there would definately be no problem with anything foreign being installed there.
2) Nothing is rendered inaccessible. Again, I must not have described the scenario well. Nothing has been placed directly behind the switchgear. It it above but behind the footprint.

triple #216970 03/21/16 09:34 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 21
A
Member
The way 110.26(E) is worded, there would be nothing prohibiting what you describe. The AHJ can always choose to rule differently.

triple #216976 03/22/16 09:57 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
IMHO, it would depend on the proposed 'foreign' item is. Any 'item' that may 'leak' or cause any type of damage to the gear would be a "No", unless protection of the gear could be maintained.

The best solution to your inquiry would be a discussion with the local AHJ.


John
triple #216977 03/22/16 10:57 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
G
Member
Agreed.
I had a major switchgear installation where the Contractor took a short cut and routed the incoming natural gas line over the gear.
His response to the AHJ's objection was to put a drip pan underneath the gas pipe.

As the old adage goes...you can't fix stupid.


Ghost307

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5