Code Change Summary: A new code section requires illumination for specific outdoor electrical equipment serving an assembly occupancy.

In the 1965 NEC^®, Section 110.16(E) first required illumination for the working space about switchboards and control centers regardless of where they were located. Over time, this section has been renumbered to 110.26(D) and modified to require illumination for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors.

In the 2020 NEC^®, a new section was added to apply similar language to the working space for fixed service equipment, switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, or motor control centers installed outdoors that serve assembly occupancies.

The intent is to increase the speed at which overcurrent devices can be accessed by ensuring the area is always illuminated since assembly occupancies have a higher number of people that can be affected when there is a need to open a disconnect to protect someone’s safety.

This new code language applies to not only fixed service equipment, but also to switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, or motor control centers installed outdoors to serve assembly occupancies.

According to Section 518.1, an assembly occupancy is a building or portion of a building or structure designed or intended for the gathering together of 100 or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar purposes.

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.