Ecmweb 4883 Behindcloseddoorsweb
Ecmweb 4883 Behindcloseddoorsweb
Ecmweb 4883 Behindcloseddoorsweb
Ecmweb 4883 Behindcloseddoorsweb
Ecmweb 4883 Behindcloseddoorsweb

Whats Wrong Here?

May 5, 2011
Hint: Behind closed doors

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. Joe, who has a knack for finding shoddy electrical work, did the dirty work and found this mess. Now it's your turn to identify the violation.

Find the Answer

It's pretty obvious the panelboard was here first, so the electrician that installed it should be off the hook. However, the same can't be said for the cabinet installer. These cabinets and countertop are clearly obstructing the working space required by 110.26.

As per 110.26, "Access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment."

As per 110.26(A), "Working space for equipment operating at 600V, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code." In addition, the requirements of 110.26(A)(1) state, "The depth of the working space in the direction of live parts shall not be less than that specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of 110.26(A)(1)(a), (A)(1)(b), or (A)(1)(c) are met. Distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed."

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About the Author

Joe Tedesco

Tedesco served the industry in many roles during his career. He was a director, senior electrical code instructor for National Technology Transfer, Inc. and American Trainco, Inc.. He was also a codes, standards and seminar specialist for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and an electrical field service specialist for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass. He ran his own business as an NEC consultant and is a Massachusetts licensed master electrician and journeyman electrician and certified electrical inspector (one and two family 2A; General 2B, and Plan Review, 2C). Tedesco also wrote articles for CEE News and EC&M (Code Violations Illustrated and What's Wrong Here?) for more than 15 years and helped launched the Moving Violations video series.

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