Working space is the space a person needs to get away from energized equipment. Depth comes from Table 110.26(A)(1): voltage to ground and what is behind you. Width is 30 in. or the equipment, height is 6½ ft or the equipment. And under the 2023 Code, open equipment doors may not cut the way out below 24 in. wide by 6½ ft high. Check the room with the doors open.
| Voltage to ground | Condition 1 | Condition 2 | Condition 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–150 V | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| 151–600 V | 3 ft | 3½ ft | 4 ft |
| 601–1000 V | 3 ft | 4 ft | 5 ft |
Condition 1: nothing live or grounded behind you. Condition 2: grounded parts behind you — concrete, brick, or tile walls count as grounded. Condition 3: exposed live parts on both sides. Your jurisdiction may enforce a different Code year; check with your AHJ.
Working space, and access to and egress from working space, shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment… Open equipment doors shall not impede access and egress from the working space. Access or egress is impeded if one or more simultaneously opened equipment doors restrict working space access to be less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (6½ ft) high.
Applies to equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.
Distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed.
Width: the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all cases the work space shall permit at least a 90-degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.
Height: 2.0 m (6½ ft) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. Exception No. 2: in existing dwelling units, service equipment or enclosed panelboards not over 200 A are permitted with less height.
Working space required by this section shall not be used for storage. When enclosed live parts are exposed in a passageway or open space, the working space shall be suitably guarded.
36 in. aisle, two 30 in. doors. The width rule is met: the doors open a full 90°. Now open them: clear width = 36 − 30 × sinθ. At 90° that leaves 6 in. against a 24 in. minimum. It drops below 24 in. at about 24° of swing. Lay out the room with every door open, worst case.
The field guide: Solar on the Busbar, every 705.12 method worked through with field numbers.
Check your plans: a quick $195 written review of one single-line diagram for a load-side PV connection, before you submit.
A tape and the Code book. Model door swings at layout, not at inspection. Any hand tool = Klein Tools.
NEC 2023 Handbook (NFPA) · NEC 2023 code book · NEC 2026 Handbook (NFPA) · NEC 2026 code book · Ugly's Electrical References, 2023 · Klein 32500 11-in-1 screwdriver · Klein 9230 30 ft tape · WAGO 221 lever-nut kit
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