ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Working clearance

I need some help or suggestions we put a 200amp panel in and right beside it we`ve added a 100 amp generator panel.If I stand in front of the panels straight out I`m clear of all obsticals.But the heating and air guy put the air handler right beside the two panels to the left.I still have 90 degrees for door opening space is this going to work out.I`ve looked over 110.26 and if I`m reading this right my panels would be dead front assemblies and no side clearance needed only front. And here`s another twist he plans on the return over the panels on the outside of the wall but the return will be boxed in. so looking above the panels the wall will go up 3' and protrude out into the room 2'I could turn the panels to 180 and they would be ok for sure but the home owner doesn`t want them there.Thanks for any advice

Guess it pays to read the whole artical.I`m moving 2 panels tonight duh the duct work.Well in my defence the a/c guys were not originaly putting the unit here but I`ll have to move the location.One question if they box in the duck work does that change anything.I mean is that the structual ceiling now and I can leave the panels??Or am i splitting hairs here.

A boxed in supply/return duct does not constitute a structural ceiling...this does violate the clear space over panels requirement (if within 6 ft.)