Hint: No way out
Can you see the door that’s hidden behind all these appliances being stored in this electrical room? That door is the only way in or out of this room. I opened the door and climbed over all the appliances so I could capture this scene.
Section 110.26(B) clearly states that the working space required for this electrical equipment shall not be used for storage. I don’t think the maintenance guy for this apartment complex has ever read the NEC. In fact, this is a very common problem found in electrical rooms of all types of occupancies.
In addition, Sec. 240.24(A) requires circuit breakers and switches containing fuses to be readily accessible. Nothing in this electric room is readily accessible. In an emergency, this could result in disastrous consequences if these switches and circuit breakers cannot be reached quickly. Property owners and managers need to need to be proactive in preventing situations like this from arising.
About the Author
Russ LeBlancRuss LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.
