The required working space for access to live parts operating at 300V-to-ground, where there are exposed live parts on both sides of the workspace is _____.
a) 3 ft
b) 3.5 ft
c) 4 ft
d) 4.5 ft
See answer and applicable Code reference
The correct answer is: c) 4 ft
Hopefully, most everyone is familiar with the access and working space requirements outlined in Sec. 110.26 of the NEC. As noted in 110.26(A)(1), "The depth of the working space in the direction of live parts shall not be less than that specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of 110.26(A)(1)(a), (A)(1)(b), or (A)(1)(c) are met. Distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed." In this specific scenario, Condition 3 of Table 110.26(A)(1) reveals a minimum working space of 4 ft on both sides of the exposed live parts.
