Existing warehouse. 2000A service feeding busduct hung off of outside wall. Busduct is 12 feet above floor. All connections from disconnects go up. Owner wants to put workbenches and tool storage cabinets no taller than six feet, below bus, along the wall.

Electrician says no, need to maintain working clearance. I thought the only requirements were 36 inches in front of, six feet or hard ceiling above, and four feet below bottom of disconnect.

Am I completely off base?

Thanks

I think the Electrician is correct.
How would you access the bus without moving the cabinets?

What is in the bus duct? Is it something that is "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized"?

Can they simply put a catwalk over the cabinets? They are 12' AFF. What is the access now?

That was my point. If you have to move or add a disconnect, then move the benches or cabinets at that time. Otherwise the only expected operation while energized would be operating the disconnect via an insulated pole.

Fuse replacement would be done after operating the disconnect and access to the disconnect is easily arranged by step ladder or manlift.