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Section

2
Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.1.1 Description of Fuse Class Designations

2.1.2 Maximum Peak Let-Through Current (Ip-Amperes) and Clearing I2t
(Amperes-Squared-Seconds)
2.2.1 Working Spaces [NEC Table 110.26(A)]
2.2.2 Examples of Conditions 1, 2, and 3 (Working Spaces)
2.2.3 Example of Exception 1 (Working Spaces)
2.2.4 Example of Exception 3 (Working Spaces)
2.2.5 Required 30-In-Wide Front Working Space (Working Spaces)
2.2.6 Required Full 90-Degree Opening of Equipment Doors (Working Spaces)
2.3.1 NEC Section 110.26(C), Basic Rule, First Paragraph (Access to Working
Space)
2.3.2 NEC Section 110.26(C), Basic Rule, Second Paragraph (Access to Working
Space)
2.3.3 Example of an Unacceptable Arrangement of a Large Switchboard (Access
to Working Space)
2.3.4 Example of Exception No. 1 (Access to Working Space)
2.3.5 Example of Exception No. 2 (Access to Working Space)
2.4.1 Working Space and Dedicated Electrical Space
2.4.2 Working Space in Front of a Panelboard as Required by NEC Section 110.26
2.4.3 Dedicated Electrical Space Over and Under a Panelboard
2.5.1 Minimum Depth of Clear Working Space at Electrical Equipment
2.5.2 Elevation of Unguarded Live Parts Above Working Space

2.1

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Section Two

2.1.1 Description of Fuse Class Designations

TABLE 2.1.1

( 1999, NFPA)

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Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.3

2.1.2 Maximum Peak Let-Through Current

2
(Ip-Amperes) and Clearing I t
(Amperes-Squared-Seconds)
TABLE 2.1.2

( 1999, NFPA)

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Section Two

2.2.1

Working Spaces

TABLE 2.2.1

( 2001, NFPA)

Working space shall not be required in back or sides of

assemblies, such as dead-front switchboards or motor control centers, where
there are no renewable or adjustable parts, such as fuses or switches, on the
back or sides and where all connections are accessible from locations other
than the back or sides. Where rear access is required to work on deenergized
parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum working space of 30 in
(762 mm) horizontally shall be provided.

Exception No. 1.

Exception No. 2. By special permission, smaller spaces shall be permitted

where all uninsulated parts are at a voltage no greater than 30 V rms, 42 V
peak, or 60 V dc.

In existing buildings where electrical equipment is being

replaced, condition 2 working clearance shall be permitted between deadfront switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers located across the
aisle from each other where conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure that written procedures have been adopted to prohibit equipment on
both sides of the aisle from being open at the same time and qualified persons who are authorized will service the installation.

Exception No. 3.

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Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.2.2 Examples of Conditions 1, 2, and 3 (Working Spaces)

2.5

Distances are measured from the

live parts if the live parts are exposed, or from the enclosure front if live parts are enclosed. If any assemblies, such as switchboards
or motor-control centers, are accessible from the back and expose live parts, the working clearance dimensions would be required at
the rear of the equipment, as illustrated. Note that for Condition 3, where there is an enclosure on opposite sides of the working
space, the clearance for only one working space is required.

2.2.2

( 1999, NFPA)

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Section Two

2.2.3 Example of Exception 1 (Working Spaces)

2.2.3

( 1999, NFPA)

2.2.4 Example of Exception 3 (Working Spaces)

2.2.4

( 1999, NFPA)

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Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.2.5 Required 30-In-Wide Front Working Space (Working Spaces)

2.7

The 30-inch-wide front

working space is not required to be directly centered on the electrical equipment if it can be ensured that the space is sufficient for
safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

2.2.5

( 1999, NFPA)

2.2.6 Required Full 90-Degree Opening of Equipment Doors (Working Spaces)

Equipment doors are required to open a full 90 degrees to ensure a safe working space.

2.2.6

( 1999, NFPA)

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Section Two

2.3.1 NEC Section 110.26(C), Basic Rule, First Paragraph (Access to Working
Space) Section 110.25 (C), Basic Rule, first paragraph. At least one entrance is required to provide access to the working
space around electrical equipment. The installation shown on the bottom would not be acceptable if the electrical equipment was a
switchboard over 6 feet wide and rated 1200 amperes or more.

2.3.1

( 1999, NFPA)

2.3.2 NEC Section 110.26(C), Basic Rule, Second Paragraph (Access to Working
Space) Section 110.26 (C), Basic Rule, second paragraph. For equipment rated 1200 amperes or more and over 6 feet wide,
one entrance not less than 24 inches wide and 6-1/2 feet high is required at each end.

2.3.2

( 1999, NFPA)

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Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.9

2.3.3 Example of an Unacceptable Arrangement of a Large Switchboard (Access to

Working Space) Unacceptable arrangement of large switchboarda person could be trapped behind arcing electrical
equipment.

2.3.3

( 1999, NFPA)

2.3.4 Example of Exception No. 1 (Access to Working Space)

The equipment location

permits a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel.

2.3.4

( 1999, NFPA)

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Section Two

2.3.5 Example of Exception No. 2 (Access to Working Space)

If the working space required

by Section 110.26 (A) is doubled, only one entrance to the working space is required.

2.3.5

( 1999, NFPA)

2.4.1 Working Space and Dedicated Electrical Space

The two distinct indoor installation spaces

required by Section 110.26 (A) and 110.26 (F), that is, the working space and the dedicated electrical space.

2.4.1

( 1999, NFPA)

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Requirements for Electrical Installations

2.11

2.4.2 Working Space in Front of a Panelboard as Required by NEC Section 110.26

The working space in front of a panelboard as required by Section 110.26. This illustration supplements the dedicated equipment
space shown in Figure 2.4.3.

2.4.2

( 1999, NFPA)

2.4.3 Dedicated Electrical Space Over and Under a Panelboard

The dedicated electrical

space over and under a panelboard, as required by Section 110.26 (F) (1).

2.4.3

( 1999, NFPA)

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Section Two

2.5.1 Minimum Depth of Clear Working

Space at Electrical Equipment [NEC Table 110.34(A)]
TABLE 2.5.1

( 2001, NFPA)

2.5.2 Elevation of Unguarded Live

Parts Above Working Space [NEC Table 110.34(A)]
TABLE 2.5.2