110.26(C)(2) Large Equipment.
Code Change Summary: Code language was revised regarding the entry to and egress from the working space of large electrical equipment.
In the 2017 NEC®, the basic rule in Section 110.26(C)(2) required an entry/exit at each end of the working space for large equipment when both of the following two circumstances were present:
- Electrical equipment was rated 1200 amps or more and contained overcurrent devices, switching devices, or control devices and
- The electrical equipment was more than 6 feet wide. (Note: Exactly 6 feet wide is not more than 6 feet wide).
The above rules are usually applied only to a single large piece of electrical equipment.
In the 2020 NEC®, a proposal was accepted to apply the entry/exit rules to the working space of multiple service disconnecting means when the combined ampere rating is 1200 amperes or more and the sum of the equipment’s measurements are over 6 feet wide.
NEC 230.71 allows up to six switches or circuit breakers to disconnect an electrical service. The switches or circuit breakers can be mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of separate enclosures, or in a switchboard or switchgear. No matter what, there shall be not more than six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location.
With the revised 2020 code language, the entry/exit rules for the working space will apply to six 200 ampere rated service disconnects (6 X 200A = 1200A) that have a combined measurement of more than 6 feet wide. In addition, equipment doors in the open position shall not impede the entry to or egress from the working space (see image).
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
110.26(C)(2) Large Equipment. For equipment rated 1200 amperes or more and over 1.8 m (6 ft) wide that contains overcurrent devices, switching devices, or control devices, there shall be one entrance to and egress from the required working space not less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) high at each end of the working space.
A single entrance to and egress from the required working space shall be permitted where either of the conditions in 110.26(C)(2)(a) or (C)(2)(b) is met.
(a) Unobstructed Egress. Where the location permits a continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel, a single entrance to the working space shall be permitted.
(b) Extra Working Space. Where the depth of the working space is twice that required by 110.26(A)(1), a single entrance shall be permitted. It shall be located such that the distance from the equipment to the nearest edge of the entrance is not less than the minimum clear distance specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) for equipment operating at that voltage and in that condition.
2020 Code Language:
110.26(C)(2) Large Equipment. For large equipment that contains overcurrent devices, switching devices, or control devices, there shall be one entrance to and egress from the required working space not less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (6 ½ ft) high at each end of the working space. This requirement shall apply to either of the following conditions:
(1) For equipment rated 1200 amperes or more and over 1.8 m (6 ft) wide
(2) For service disconnecting means installed in accordance with 230.71 where the combined ampere rating is 1200 amperes or more and over 1.8 m (6 ft) wide
Open equipment doors shall not impede the entry to or egress from the working space.
A single entrance to and egress from the required working space shall be permitted where either of the conditions in 110.26(C)(2)(a) or (C)(2)(b) is met.
(a) Unobstructed Egress. Where the location permits a continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel, a single entrance to the working space shall be permitted.
(b) Extra Working Space. Where the depth of the working space is twice that required by 110.26(A)(1), a single entrance shall be permitted. It shall be located such that the distance from the equipment to the nearest edge of the entrance is not less than the minimum clear distance specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) for equipment operating at that voltage and in that condition.