NEC 110.26 — Working Space Around Electrical Equipment
Equipment likely to be examined, adjusted, serviced, or maintained while energized needs clear working space: depth per Table 110.26(A)(1), at least 30 in. of width, and 6½ ft of headroom. This is one of the most-cited violations at rough and final inspections.
Depth of Working Space — Table 110.26(A)(1)
Measured from the exposed live parts, or from the enclosure front if parts are enclosed.
| Nominal Voltage to Ground | Condition 1 | Condition 2 | Condition 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 150V to ground | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| 151 – 600V to ground | 3 ft | 3½ ft | 4 ft |
Condition 1: Exposed live parts on one side, no live or grounded parts on the other side — or live parts on both sides guarded by insulating material
Condition 2: Exposed live parts on one side, grounded parts (concrete, brick, tile walls count as grounded) on the other
Condition 3: Exposed live parts on both sides of the working space
Width, Height, and Dedicated Space
- • Width — 110.26(A)(2): 30 in. or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater. Equipment doors must be able to open at least 90°.
- • Height — 110.26(A)(3): 6½ ft, or the height of the equipment if taller. Other equipment above or below the panel may not extend more than 6 in. into the working space depth.
- • Dedicated equipment space — 110.26(E): indoors, the footprint of the panel extended from the floor to 6 ft above the equipment (or to the structural ceiling) is reserved for the electrical installation — no ducts, piping, or foreign systems, and nothing dripping on the gear. Sprinkler protection is allowed above the dedicated space.
- • Illumination — 110.26(D): working space around service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers indoors requires lighting.
- • No storage — 110.26(B): the working space stays clear, period.
Large Equipment & Egress — 110.26(C)
- • Equipment rated 800A or more that contains overcurrent, switching, or control devices, in a space over 6 ft wide: an entrance at each end of the working space, each at least 24 in. wide and 6½ ft high.
- • One entrance can suffice where the location permits continuous unobstructed egress, or where the working-space depth is doubled.
- • Personnel doors within 25 ft of the working space for this equipment must open in the direction of egress and use listed panic or fire-exit hardware.
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