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Friday, October 6, 2023

Question:

Hello Charlie, I have a question about working clearance in front of 24VDC control panels inside a vendor packaged equipment, namely Generator Set. Do generator manufacturers need to meet the working clearance required by Section 110.26 in-front of a small 24V control station inside their weather-proof enclosures? Does Article 720 exempt installations under 50V from the working clearance requirements in Section 110.26? I didn't see anything about working clearance in Article 720. Thanks, Sanjit Khanal
A

Answer:

Hi Sanjit, thanks for participating in the CQD. The requirements for working space about electrical equipment found in Sections 110.26(A)(1)-(5) apply to any qualifying electrical equipment operating at 1000V nominal or less. Article 110 of the NEC® applies to Article 720 unless otherwise specifically excluded. There is no exclusion of the working space requirements in Article 720 so they would be applicable on qualifying electrical equipment. It is also important to note that Article 720 was deleted in the 2023 edition of the NEC®.

The application of the working space requirements of Section 110.26 to electrical equipment comes down to the charging text in Section 110.26(A). The working space for equipment operating at 1000V, nominal or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, then the working space depth, width and height required in by Sections 110.26(A)(1)-(4) would be required. The installation and servicing instructions provided with the generator will provide insight on this. If the manufacturer’s recommendations require PM, examination, adjustment, servicing etc.in the compartment you mentioned in your question, then the working space would be required. Additional information on maintaining electrical equipment can also be found in industry standards like NFPA 70B.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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