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. Can you identify the specific Code violation(s) in this photo? Note: Submitted comments must include specific references from the 2017 NEC.
Hint: Oh, so very close!
March Winners
Our three winners this month are: John Kreider, an electrical engineer (EIT) with Edwin L. Heim Co. in Harrisburg, Pa; Kenneth Coanshank, an operations manager for K&J Co. Electrical Contractors LLC in Carteret, N.J.; and Charles Harvey (ASP & CHST), a master electrician from Albany, N.Y. They all know that working in this panel must be really tough since the door can barely be opened 45°. The simple task of resetting a tripped circuit breaker could prove quite a challenge here.
Section 110.26(A)(2) requires the working space in front of this panelboard to be wide enough and deep enough to allow the hinged door to open at least 90°. The strut and pipes installed in front of this panelboard have created a very crowded space, which increases the danger level for those who need to work on this panelboard while energized. The minimum working space depth required to be kept clear in front of any panelboard is 3 ft, according to Table 110.26(A)(1). The minimum working space width is 30 in., according to Sec. 110.26(A)(2).
I’m assuming the panelboard was originally installed with the required clearances before the strut and pipes were installed. Regardless of which installer was there first, the result is an obvious violation of the working space clearances required by Sec. 110.26 of the NEC.