Code Quiz: Dedicated Space for Outdoor Equipment

Nov. 21, 2013
NEC rules on dedicated space for outdoor metal piping installations

NEMA 3R service equipment is installed outdoors on the exterior wall of a building. The service equipment is 2 ft – 0 in. in depth, 7 ft – 7 in. in height, and 20 ft – 2 in. length. A metal piping system, which contain liquids and is coupled together, installed directly over the service equipment at an elevation of 13 ft – 0 in. above grade, or 5 ft – 5 in. above the top of the equipment. Is this installation permitted per the 2014 NEC?

A. Yes. The dedicated space requirement applies only to indoor installations.

B. No. The dedicated space requirement applies to indoor and outdoor installations.

C. No, because the equipment is only 2 ft in depth.

D. No, because the equipment is NEMA 3R rated.

Answer: B

The 2014 NEC includes a requirement for outdoor installations to comply with 110.26(E)(2)(a) and (b). Therefore, the piping system should have been installed more than 6 ft above the electrical equipment.

Owen is the owner and president of National Code Seminars and the holder of master electrician certifications in 46 states. He can be reached at [email protected].

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Steven Owen

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