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Stumped by the Code? NEC Rule for Side and Rear Access to Switchgear and Panelboards

Nov. 1, 2021

Answering your NEC questions.

All questions and answers are based on the 2020 NEC.

Q. What is the Code rule that addresses side and rear access requirements to switchgear and panelboards?

A. Each section of equipment that requires rear or side access to make field connections must be so marked by the manufacturer on the front of the equipment. Section openings requiring rear or side access must comply with the workspace and access to workspace requirements of Sec. 110.26 [Sec. 408.18(C)].

Author’s comment: The 2020 addition of this NEC Section goes a long way to providing much safer access to the sides and the back of switchboards and switchgear where such access may be necessary to make wiring connections. This addition exemplifies the NFPA’s intent and continued efforts to reduce exposure and risk to unnecessary hazards to keep electrical workers safe.

Q. A luminaire installed in a bathtub or shower area must meet what NEC requirements?

A. A luminaire installed in a bathtub or shower area must meet all of the following requirements [Sec. 410.10(D)]:

(1) No part of chain-, cable-, or cord-suspended luminaires, track luminaires, or ceiling paddle fans can be located within 3 ft horizontally and 8 ft vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. NEC rules for luminaires installed in a bathtub/shower areas per Sec. 410.19(D)(1). — **Fig. 1.** NEC rules for luminaires installed in a bathtub/shower areas per Sec. 410.19(D)(1).

(2) Luminaires located within the actual outside dimensions of a bathtub or shower to a height of 8 ft from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold must be marked for damp locations or marked suitable for wet locations. Where subject to shower spray, the luminaires must be marked suitable for wet locations (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. NEC rules for luminaires directly above the outside dimensions of a bathtub or shower. — **Fig. 2.** NEC rules for luminaires directly above the outside dimensions of a bathtub or shower.

Author’s comment: The previous Code language required the luminaire to be marked “wet locations where subject to shower spray.” There is no such marking on any luminaire.

These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.