Ok you guys go tell the pipefitters to rip that stuff out, I'll meet you in the truck. This is pretty typical in older buildings as systems are added and updated but the mechanical rooms are not expanded. I worked in many buildings at Harvard University and this was always a problem. Just another of many challenges we face.
[This message has been edited by Electricmanscott (edited 10-27-2002).]
An alterative may be to "build out" the electrical-enclosure mounting from the wall with framing channel and L/corner brackets for a new "plane" where NEC 110 clearances can be reestablished.
Until there is firm upper-level management support for the most basic of NEC requirements, it remains somewhat of an endless cycle, and will not likely change until news of a serious injury or death makes it to the conference-room table.
[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 10-28-2002).]