The first sentence of Sec. 110.26 requires enough space around all electrical equipment “to permit ready and safe operation of such equipment.” The NEC does not tell you precisely how much space this is, and neither does OSHA. You could follow the minimums and come up short.
Inadequate space can cause several problems, including inefficient maintenance (which may increase downtime) and hazards to personnel. Let’s look at some things your spacing decisions should take into account.
- Access for lifting equipment. Especially important for heavy objects such as that 75kVA transformer jammed into the corner or the new switchboard panels you’re wanting to install 80 ft from the nearest overhead door.
- Portable lighting. The average age for an electrician is increasing, and those peepers ain’t what they used to be. Lighting around operator stations tends to be good, but quite often lighting around electrical equipment isn’t. This means portable lights must be brought into the working space. Those lights cannot take up space meant for personnel. You need extra space for them.
- Special test gear. If maintenance of the equipment requires special jigs, tools, or instruments, allow space for them. You can hold a DMM in one hand and work; the same is not true of a circuit breaker test rig.
- Tables and carts. You may need adjacent space for temporary tables and maintenance carts.
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