ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Electrical Room Doors

I have a 1600A switchboard I am changing to a 2500A switchboard as part of the project I am doing. I just got the dimensions of the new board and it's quite a bit deeper than the existing one. The room has the required two exits. (As you face the board they are to your left an right.) The problem is the new board will protrude about 10" into the 4ft wide doors. The NEC only requires a 2ft wide egress so I am wondering if this violates a building code?

Thats a great question, Nick.

In my opinion, the building code will probably only require one exit. With that in mind, I think you will be okay. If I were the inspector on this, I would pass it.

Strange scenario. Does any one else have anything to say about this?

where does nec call for a 2ft exit?

where does nec call for a 2ft exit?

Kody, 600V or less 110-26(c) 99NEC.
Over 600V 110-33(a).

[This message has been edited by stamcon (edited 03-25-2004).]

While it may not be an NEC violation, I don't have enough familiarity with BOCA to quote you on this.

Hey, when in doubt...

[Standard Reply]Check with your AHJ![/Standard Reply]

DougW's suggestion to check with the AHJ is probably the best answere. However, if I were making the call, I would probably agree with Ryan. Three points however: 1) The IBC, and I think all of the other building codes will require a 32 inch clear opening for egress doors. So, after subtracting the 10" protrusion, make sure you have a 32" clear opening. 2) I assume the protrusion is from the hinge side of the door? The switchboard will not interfere with the operation of the door handle? 3) I'm not sure what building code applies in your area, but this may be a technical violation of the provision in most buidling codes that there be a "landing" on both sides of the door. The landing needs to be the full width of the door (IBC doesn't say required width, just width) and should extend 44" from the door. The switch gear would technically be on the landing.

Thanks for the replies. It will definatly be a AHJ call on this one. This is an OSHPOD job so I think I will submit an RFI with a drawing and let the Architect and OSHPOD hash it out. It will cost a fortune to relocate the switchboard or change the structure so it's out of my hands. I'll post the results when I get them.

(There is even bigger problems to deal with. The new 800A bypass isolation ATS won't fit in the room. )

[This message has been edited by Nick (edited 03-28-2004).]

How about changing the 48 inch door(s) to 36 inch door(s)?
Which condition exists (1, 2, or 3) and what voltage is the service?

Pierre

Update:
Met with the Architect and Electrical engineer today. We tossed around some ideas. Bottom line is the Architect says we can't reduce the ft door to ft and must have a 4 ft landing area ( like eprice stated). Now the first step is to see if the utility will allow a shallower pull section, meter/main. If not, the wall is going to have to move.