All references are based on the 2014 edition of the NEC.
Space Thieves Strike Again
A big “thank you” goes out to Steve Perry, an electrician from Peabody, Mass., for sharing this great photo with us. This is another outstanding example of what often happens to the working space around panelboards and switchboards — it gets stolen by people who use it as storage space. I guess if you’re not an electrician, you simply may not know the rules.
Section 110.26(B) makes a very clear and concise statement that working space shall not be used for storage. Section 110.26 requires access be maintained to permit safe operation and maintenance of the equipment. The specific working space dimensions are as follows: Table 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum of 3 ft of working space depth in front of this panelboard. In reality, 3½ ft or even 4 ft of depth may be needed, depending on the conditions as described in the Table. A minimum working space width of 30 in. in front of the panelboard is required by 110.26(A)(2). The working space must be clear and extend from the floor to a minimum height of 6½ ft as required by 110.26(A)(3).
In addition, 240.24(D) prohibits overcurrent devices from being located near easily ignitable material, such as clothing, paper, cardboard etc.
Timberrrrrr!
Be careful where you stand. This electrical service is ready to fall off the house because every PVC clip is broken. The damaging rays of the sun have caused serious degradation to the nonmetallic clips used to secure this vertical pipe. These clips are now so brittle they would crumble in your hands.
Section 300.6(C)(1) requires nonmetallic equipment such as clips, cables, pipes, boxes, couplings, and elbows to be listed or identified as sunlight resistant — where exposed to sunlight. It’s obvious the clips used for this installation were not sunlight resistant, which is clearly depicted in the close-up photo.
These clips were installed in accordance with 352.30 to allow movement of the PVC due to thermal expansion and contraction. The length change of PVC can be quite considerable when exposed to extreme temperature changes. According to 352.44, expansion fittings would be needed where the length change would be
¼ in. or greater for a straight run between boxes, cabinets, or other securely mounted items. Although the PVC conduit is constructed of sunlight-resistant material — according to 352.100, the clips were apparently not made of the same material.