Work space clearances

[bigdog]

Jerry,
Isn't this configuration a violation of work places clearances?? The meter on top of the service panel.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Well ... the horizontal orientation does create quite a few issues ... (sorry, couldn't help it).

There is nothing wrong with the meter being on top of the panel per se, but there could be if it was done incorrectly.

I see a riser going vertically up (viewing the photo rotated counterclockwise 90 degrees) to what I suspect would be an overhead service. (f that is done correctly, no issues there.

Then I see it going down to the service equipment panel below through a nipple of some length, if done correctly, no issues there either.

Then I see various raceways coming out the bottom of the service equipment panel which look like they are going into the ground below, if done correctly, no issues there ... however, a common error is using Sch 40 PVC going the ground. Sch 40 is not suitable for protection from physical damage, Sch 80 is required from 18" below ground to 8' above ground or to the first enclosure (i.e., from 18" below ground to that service equipment enclosure).

The big and obvious code violation is that door which closes over the electrical equipment ... that's a big no-no.

And don't forget those bushes ... working space is to be open, no obstructions, and level. Working space size is minimum with of 30" or the width of the equipment if wider than 30" by 36" deep in front of the equipment, with access to the space (a minimum 24" wide access is acceptable, as I recall).

I had a few where the working space was on a sloping lot away from the building and the equipment, a few which were sloped down 2 feet in that 3 foot depth, and the contractors (builder and electrical) tried to blame each other, I told them to work it out because if the electrical does not pass, the building cannot be occupied, does not matter to me who corrects it, but the longer you two argue about, the longer it will take pass inspection, and no occupancy until it does - amazing how quickly they agreed to work together to correct it).

[bigdog]

Thanks Jerry.
The picture was orientated properly ( portrait)in my folder and for some reason turned when I attached it.
Is that requirement in chapter 2 or 3?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

David,

I don't have my codes with me, but working space is in 110.26 as I recall.

Uploading photos to where up is up can sometimes create smiles on what the software does. I wish there was an 'up' indicator which one could designate when they take a photo and that future display is defaulted to that 'up' position when displayed ... but logic only goes so far, then one runs into 'gosh, I didn't think of that' in the application displaying the image sideways.

[bigdog]

I finally found it: Schedule 80 PVC for underground conductors emerging from the ground. 300.50 B

Its impossible to tell once their painted but I don't believe its enforced for other than service feeders.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]