1-105 Log #384 NEC-P01 Final Action: Reject(110.26(A))
Submitter: Bryan P. Holland
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
Working space for switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground shall comply with the dimensions of 11 0.26(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this code.
Substantiation: It should be made clear exactly what equipment requires working space. This list mirrors the equipment identified in 110.16. The words “likely to require” should be removed. Per Table 3.2.1 of NEC style manual, “likely” is an unenforceable term. The words “while energized” should be removed. I believe the intent of this section is to provide adequate working space for the safety of the worker and anyone using the equipment whether or not the equipment is energized. One could argue equipment is never “required” to be energized.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: Creating a specific list of equipment that require working space is too limiting. As proposed, there is no requirement that working space be provided for equipment such as circuit breakers, fusible switches, control panels, control assemblies and industrial control assemblies, to name a few. Removing “likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized” is over-restrictive. CMP-1 understands the submitter’s concerns about the use of vague or unenforceable language. The NEC Style Manual, however, recognizes and prefers the use of the term “likely” over the term “liable.” As an example, “likely to become energized” means “failure of insulation on.” Although the NEC Style Manual discourages the use of the term “likely”, there are instances where the use is appropriate.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12