Clearance is required in the direction of access for operation, that is in the front. The working width around the panel must be at least 30 inches. Where there are live parts normally exposed on the front of switchboards or motor control centers, the working space in front of such equipment shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm). The dielectric breakdown level is further influenced by relative humidity, temperature, and degree of pollution in the environment. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Diffraction- and irradiation-type equipment shall have a pilot light, readable meter deflection, or equivalent means to indicate when the equipment is energized, unless the equipment or installation is effectively enclosed or is provided with interlocks to prevent access to live current-carrying parts during operation. For equipment designed for floor mounting, clearance between top surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be provided to dissipate rising warm air. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations: Suitability for installation and use in conformity with the provisions of this subpart; Note to paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section:Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing or labeling for that identified purpose. The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts that may require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive shall be a minimum of 762 mm (2.5 ft). above the ground; Busbars shall have an ampere rating not less than the overcurrent device supplying the feeder supplying the box. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. A limit switch or other device shall be provided to prevent the load block from passing the safe upper limit of travel of any hoisting mechanism. This NEC working clearance will provide not only the person working on the equipment with room, but also their tools. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. In locations where electric equipment would be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage. A wall, screen, or fence less than 8 feet (2.44 m) in height is not considered adequate to prevent access unless it has other features that provide a degree of isolation equivalent to an 8-foot (2.44-m) fence. 600 Volts, nominal, or less. No fixed work platform has been provided for servicing the unit. Flexible cords and cables run on the ground, where accessible to the public, shall be covered with approved nonconductive mats. Note to paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section:Wooden plugs driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or similar materials are not considered secure means of fastening electric equipment. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit for each arc welder that is not equipped with a disconnect mounted as an integral part of the welder. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850. Because this cabinet you saw is located near an exit door, let's first look at OSHA's general requirements for exit routes, emergency action plans and fire prevention plans [20 CFR 1910.37-39]. Unguarded live parts above working space shall be maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table K-3. President, Safety Specialties Incorporated A single receptacle of the locking and grounding type that provides power for a permanently installed swimming pool recirculating pump motor may be located not less than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the inside walls of a pool. 8. for information on the final rule. OSHA 1910.179 General Requirements (Adapted from www.osha.gov) 1910.179. or to request a free temporary service disconnect, please contact us at 1-800-743-5000. No marks or blemishes on wheel faces. Question: What would OSHA consider to be a safe distance for setting extra stock or empty containers from any electrical equipment such as ladder cable trays? Installation and use. Electrical Safety. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. For serious, other-than-serious, and posting requirement violations, OSHA issues a fine amount of $14,502 per violation. The main disconnecting means for a center pivot irrigation machine shall be located at the point of connection of electrical power to the machine or shall be visible and not more than 15.2 m (50 ft) from the machine. A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. If we can be of further assistance, please contact the Office of General Industry [at (202) 693-1850]. If the disconnecting means is an integral part of the motor controller, it shall be operable without opening the enclosure. Since electrical fires are one of the biggest risks that a facility can face, it should come as no surprise to find that the NFPA has requirements in this area. Electrical installations in a vault, room, closet or in an area surrounded by a wall, screen, or fence, access to which is controlled by lock and key or other equivalent means, are considered to be accessible to qualified persons only. Electric equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment: The manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified; and. Minimum Clearance Around Electrical Panels (Carrying 600 Volts or Less) Insufficient clearance around electrical panels is one of the many electrical hazards that can endanger worker safety. When the system is put back into production there is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Working space required by this subpart shall not be used for storage. Therapeutic pools in health care facilities are exempt from these provisions. Flexible cords used with the following equipment may not exceed 0.9 m (3 ft) in length and shall have a copper equipment grounding conductor with a grounding-type attachment plug: Fountains. Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices designed for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Electrical wiring for temporary lighting, where installed inside of tents and concessions, shall be securely installed, and, where subject to physical damage, shall be provided with mechanical protection. This would permit the motor disconnect to be located above 6'7" Chris Dennis Alwon Moderator Staff member Location Chapel Hill, NC Occupation Retired Electrical Contractor Interlock switches shall be connected in such a manner as to remove all power from the applicator when any one of the access doors or panels is open. This is necessary because it is not practical to run dozens, or even hundreds, of different electrical lines directly into the main circuit. The provisions of paragraphs (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of this section do not apply to equipment on the supply side of the service conductors. With these tools, floor marking for electrical panel compliance can be accomplished without spending too much on time or effort. By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons; By suitable permanent, substantial partitions or screens so arranged so that only qualified persons will have access to the space within reach of the live parts. Requesting clearance should be the first step. Readily accessible and operable from the ground or floor level; Arranged to be locked in the open position; and. Clearance To ensure that an electrical panel can be accessed at all times - during inspection, maintenance or emergency - OSHA has determined that the working space in front of the equipment must be at least 30-inches wide (or the width of the equipment). Auxiliary nonelectrical connections. [This document was amended on October 24, 2012 to strike information that no longer reflects current OSHA policy.] Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Clear spaces. Soldered splices shall first be spliced or joined to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered. 1910.303 (g) (1) (vi) (B) For installations built on or after August 13, 2007, 1.98 m (6.5 ft), except that where the electrical equipment exceeds 1.98 m (6.5 ft) in height, the minimum headroom may not be less than the height of the equipment. OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements. These markings can include floor marking tape, floor signs, and labels. The clearance around the electric panel must be at least 30 inches wide with 3 of front workspace clearance. Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. Horizontal clearance between the conductor and Building. A disconnecting means shall be provided for each motor and controller. In outdoor pool areas, lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans may not be installed over the pool or over the area extending 1.52 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool unless no part of the lighting fixture of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan is less than 3.66 m (12 ft) above the maximum water level. The electric panel door must be able to open to a 90-degree angle. If anything is found in a spot that is too close to the panel, the items can be moved right away. However, other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 153 mm (6 in.) Arcing parts. Dedicated space: The space equal to the width and depth of electrical equipment in addition to the space extending from the floor to 6 feet . It states: For one- and two-family dwelling units, all service conductors shall terminate in disconnecting means having a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater than the available fault current, installed in a readily accessible outdoor location. This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth. Hot glue machines would be shutdown and the glue would set. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (Sections 2299 - 2599) Group 2. Insulation integrity. Where bare energized parts at any voltage or insulated energized parts above 600 volts are located adjacent to such entrance, they shall be guarded. General. Capable of accepting a lock. Your letter has been referred to the Directorate of Enforcement Program's (DEP's) Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your question regarding clearances from electrical equipment. By location on a balcony, gallery, or platform so elevated and arranged as to exclude unqualified persons. Sincerely, The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. The sign shall be clearly legible and shall read WARNING - PARTS OF THE CONTROLLER ARE NOT DEENERGIZED BY THIS SWITCH.. Circuit impedance and other characteristics. Boxes shall be designed so that no live parts are exposed to accidental contact. 2023 Electrical Safety Expert | All Rights Reserved, NEC + OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements, Understanding NEC Panel Clearance Requirements, OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements. A clearance of at least 3 feet is required for equipment using 120 to 250 volts. Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, the doors shall either open at least 90 degrees or be removable. Type. Mounting. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded. The relevant section of the national electric code here is NEC 110.26. The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker capable of being locked in the open position. Suitable enclosures or guards must be provided to prevent damage to this equipment. Disconnecting means required by this subpart shall be capable of being locked in the open position. 3. Carnivals, circuses, fairs, and similar events. Equipment installed underwater shall be identified for the purpose. Even in countries that do not have strict regulations when it comes to electrical panel clearance will often voluntarily choose to follow the recommendations found in NFPA 70e. This means you cannot place machinery or other equipment in the space around an electrical panel without making sure that it meets the NEC working clearance requirements. Any openings in such partitions or screens shall be so sized and located that persons are not likely to come into accidental contact with the live parts or to bring conducting objects into contact with them; By placement on a suitable balcony, gallery, or platform so elevated and otherwise located as to prevent access by unqualified persons; or. Disconnecting Means. 2 or larger. Filter by. The following requirements apply to elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, wheelchair lifts, and stairway chair lifts. When used outdoors, flexible cords and cables shall also be listed for wet locations and shall be sunlight resistant. The specific electrical panel clearance requirements will depend on what area you are looking at, and how much voltage there is going through the panel. Application for variances under Paragraph 1910.11 must include a statement showing how the conditions, practices, means, methods, operations, or processes used or proposed to be used would provide employment and places of employment to employees which are as safe and healthful as those required under the standard from which a variance is sought. 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) The width of the workingspace in front of the Panel. Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Doors or covers giving access to uninsulated parts of indoor signs or outline lighting exceeding 600 volts and accessible to other than qualified persons shall either be provided with interlock switches to disconnect the primary circuit or shall be so fastened that the use of other than ordinary tools will be necessary to open them. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Cranes and hoists. At least one entrance not less than 610 mm (24 in.) Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. OSHA standards are sets of guidelines and requirements enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to minimize health and safety risks in US-based workplaces. If there is anything that would prevent this or make it more dangerous, the chances are that you are in violation of the regulations and could get cited for it during an inspection. The tape can be placed down in the proper spots to make sure you get immediate results. Grounding should be the last of these steps. The fact is, however, that it goes well beyond that. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling suspended (paddle) fans. Visit the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Of course, this means having a lot of different wires and other electrical equipment located in one area. "Infeasibility" is considered by OSHA on a case by case, work application basis. Breaker panels should be easily accessible and should never be blocked. More importantly, however, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, which will make your facility safer. Listed, labeled, or certified equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling, or certification. Motor controllers may be located outside the spaces otherwise required by paragraph (c) of this section, provided they are in enclosures with doors or removable panels capable of being locked closed and the disconnecting means is located adjacent to or is an integral part of the motor controller. The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible and capable of being locked in the open position. Approval. To put it simply, you must have a policy in place that will ensure that any electrical panel in your facility can be easily accessed and worked on at all times. Where the driving machine is located in a remote machinery space, a single disconnecting means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors shall be provided and be capable of being locked in the open position. All Rights Re The minimum elevation may be 2.4 m (8.0 ft) for installations built before April 16, 1981, if the nominal voltage between phases is in the range of 601-6600 volts. Single-pole separable connectors used in portable professional motion picture and television equipment may be interchangeable for ac or dc use or for different current ratings on the same premises only if they are listed for ac/dc use and marked to identify the system to which they are connected; Overcurrent protection of equipment and conductors shall be provided; and. Identified Replacement Component Required.. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. Another nice thing about having these standardized requirements is that they apply across national boarders. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. The disconnecting means shall be a listed device. The following requirements apply to outdoor enclosed equipment accessible to unqualified employees: Ventilating or similar openings in equipment shall be so designed that foreign objects inserted through these openings will be deflected from energized parts; Where exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic, suitable guards shall be provided; Nonmetallic or metal-enclosed equipment located outdoors and accessible to the general public shall be designed so that exposed nuts or bolts cannot be readily removed, permitting access to live parts; Where nonmetallic or metal-enclosed equipment is accessible to the general public and the bottom of the enclosure is less than 2.44 m (8.0 ft) above the floor or grade level, the enclosure door or hinged cover shall be kept locked; and. 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