Top entry into transformer not permitted according to instructions.


Seems like the workspace is violated here too!


What about the "sticks" used for the extensions of the handles?

Joe, as usual you post some thought-provoking pictures. I'll take them in reverse order.

Operating the switches by using a stick seems to be allowed by 404.8A, the third exception. "Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights." (I think this was formerly known as article 380).

110.26 defines working space, and excludes things "foreign to the electrical installation." And, while I don't recall the source, I seem to think there is an allowance of 6" in front of a panel, to allow use of a gutter or cable tray wider than the panel is deep.
How does that apply here? While the panel seems to be part of the same installation as the transformer, and thus allowed, long-established practice does consider this a violation of working space; it is held that the transformer obstructs -especially under fault conditions- access to the panel or disconnect.

While the straight-up feed seems to make this a clean install, I suppose the laying of wires upon the transformer coils (in the box), and the likely lack of bending space, make this a bad idea. There is also the violation of "good trade practice" of rigidly connecting the transformer case to the piping.
These quibbles are moot, however....if the instructions clearly say this transformer should be installed in a different manner.


Also worthy of note:
-Dedicated space shouldn't be used for storage, as this is;
-Even were you to allow the disconnect to be over the transformer....what is that in front of the transformer? A working space violatio for sure there; and,
-Securely mounting anything to sheet-metal walls is problematic under the best of conditions.

Question

How do we know what the instructions state for this transformer?

I have installed a few transformers that only allow upper 1/3 installation of conductors.

I do not agree with renosteinke that


The front edge of the switch would have to be within 6" of the front of the transformer.


That is of course if the disconnect is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.

Perhaps the company policy here is to shut of the power to the disconnect before servicing.

A strict reading of the OSHA requirements would suggest shutting down the disconnect would be easer than working in the proper PPE.

Thank you, IWire, for the cite...I looked for that "6 inch rule", even read over it several times, and didn't see it....thanks for the clarification.

That 6" exception is cleverly hidden in 110-26(3) under "height".

Hey, these are my pictures posted on this site a few years back. All this mess has been fixed by the contractor that did the work originaly. I don't work there anymore so I can't post pictures of how they fixed all the problems...........Brian