110.26(E)(2) Dedicated Equipment Space Outdoors.

The roof drain encroaches into the dedicated equipment space above the panelboard. Why is it not an issue for the remainder of the electrical equipment installed to the right of the panelboard?
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The roof drain encroaches into the dedicated equipment space above the panelboard. Why is it not an issue for the remainder of the electrical equipment installed to the right of the panelboard?

Code Change Summary: Revisions to 110.26(E)(2) now require dedicated space for switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers installed OUTDOORS.

Switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers installed INDOORS, have specific dedicated space requirements. Dedicated space is not the same as working space. Dedicated space is a specific area that is devoted to the electrical installation for the purpose of installing raceways, cables and electrical equipment associated with the overall electrical installation.

Dedicated space for INDOOR equipment is equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower. This area is dedicated to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation can be located in this zone.

Now, dedicated space is required for switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers installed OUTDOORS as well. This dedicated space is similar to the space required for indoor equipment with a few differences. See below.

Below is a preview of the NEC®.  See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code Language:

110.26(E)(2) Outdoor. Outdoor electrical equipment shall be installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. The working clearance space shall include the zone described in 110.26(A). No architectural appurtenance or other equipment shall be located in this zone.

2014 Code Language:

110.26(E)(2) Outdoor. Outdoor installations shall comply with 110.26(E)(2)(a) and (b).

(a) Installation Requirements. Outdoor electrical equipment shall be installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. The working clearance space shall include the zone described in 110.26(A). No architectural appurtenance or other equipment shall be located in this zone.

(b) Dedicated Equipment Space. The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment, and extending from grade to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. No piping or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this zone.

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110.26(E)(2) Dedicated Equipment Space Outdoors.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is true of dedicated equipment space?

A: It does not apply to outdoor installations.
B: It does not apply to indoor installations.
C: It is equal to the width and depth of the equipment, and extending from grade to a height of 6 ft. above the equipment.
D: It is equal to the width of the equipment or 30 inches, whichever is wider.
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