High and low voltage separation

[ddobb]

I am doing a small retail job and was left with almost no room for a phoneboard in an equipment room. I could install it on the same wall as the breakers and transformer but I don't like the proximity <3ft. I went through the TDMM and could not get a decisive answer. Any firm ideas? Thanks.

 

[curlycord]

Phone system are not as sensative as data but sounds like a small job so do not even worry about it ~Will Nortel soon be NoTel??~

 

[vaoldschl]

Phone systems may not be as sensitive as data but the NEC is still pretty clear. You shouldn't be on that wall. Borrow a copy of the NEC and look at section 110-26.

To sum up: section 110-26 requires working space for all systems. The accepted practice is not to require working space for low-voltage and limited energy systems but to install these systems so as not to encroach on the working space of the power equipment.

Those requirements are: space in front must be a minimum of 30 in. wide and never less than the width of the equipment and equipment must be installed so that the working space from the low-voltage equipment to nearby higher voltage equipment is not less than 3 ft measured from the enclosure front.

I've seen stuff put in much closer but it just becomes a pain for everyone to perform any work when you overcrowd a closet.

 

[ddobb]

Thanks for the help.