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Friday, May 12, 2023

Question:

Hello, I am looking for a document stating the minimum overhang a concrete equipment pad can have around a piece of equipment. I know the maximum is 6” in the front due to working clearances, I usually keep my pads between 4”-6” at the front of the gear and 4”+  on back and sides. I saw something online that said minimum 2” around equipment, but it did not have a source I can reference. Any insight on this would be helpful. Thanks in advance, Jonathon Barbosa
A

Answer:

Hello Jonathon, thank you for your question. The NEC® does not require a housekeeping pad for switchgear, switchboards, and MCCs etc,  unless it is required as part of the equipment’s manufacturer installation instructions. If a housekeeping pad is installed then it would need to be installed in a way to maintain the required working space, specifically not extending more than 6 inches into the space per Section 110.26(A)(3).

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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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