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. It's your turn to identify the violation.
Hint: Are those the jaws of a concrete alien?
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Here’s another classic example of work space encroachment.
As you can see in the photo, there is a huge obstruction hanging over the top of this panel. The wire mesh is bent/damaged, and the plaster or cement material is broken and falling apart. This damaged obstruction puts electricians in peril when they need to work in this panel. Imagine having debris falling on your head while you were working inside this piece of equipment. That’s a scary thought to say the least. Even just taking the cover off the panel could be difficult due to the lack of clearances around it.
Section 110.26(A) requires clear working space in front of this panelboard. The space must be at least 3 ft deep, 30 in. wide, and 6½ ft high — or the height of the equipment if the equipment is higher than 6 ½ ft. The electrical equipment below the panelboard would not be considered a violation of work space provided that the encroachment is not more than 6 in. in accordance with Sec. 110.26(A)(3).