NEC CODE vs Law 1

[alamtnman]

Here is an interesting one for you.

One of my Departments wants me to move a server cabinet into new room. they call it a server room but it is basicly an electrical room with an new ac unit over the door.
I have told them that their is not enough room to achieve a minimum of 3ft clearance from each of the panels and ups required by the NEC Electrical code.(its close (25 inches)but definatly not 3 ft. their response was "we understand your point but think its far enough away not to cause any major issues"
the cabinet in question is only 4 ft tall and has wheels. does anyone know if it makes a difference if the obsticale is not fixed in place and could be moved to allow three foot of space to any one panel at any given time.

AM I making a big deal out of nothing. would you go ahead and move it.

I know code becomes law when its adopted by the (AHJ) authority having Jurisdiction. but not sure where to look to show them that they could be potentially breaking a law and could set them selves up for a liability.

Look forward to hearing your opinions on this.








T.R.
RCDD

Honest officer,I know I've been thinking but i ain't thunk yet

 

[SYQUEST]

Several things: see NEC article 110, it contains requirements for electrical installations. Working spaces are covered in part here: 110.26(A)(1),(2),(3) and 110.26(B), etc. I think a call to the AHJ or the fire marshal might provide an answer.

One clue may be that, even if the item can be moved, in an emergency to access the breaker panel you do NOT want to be pushing stuff out of the way or reaching over anything to get to the panel to kill the power. This could fall under life safety issues!

My response to: their response was "we understand your point but think its far enough away not to cause any major issues" is emergencies don't care how far away something is when it happens!!

....JIM....

 

[Servamatic]

It is not just the UPS that requires the 36" clearance, ALL panels that have ANY electrical device, i.e. a switch in a rack, would also require the same clearance, both front and back. The clearance starts at the equipment, not the rack. So if you have a switch that is 16" deep, you would need 52" of clearance from the rack itself.
Just as an example, I have seen many installs that do not have the clearance once the equipment is installed, and what happens is people walk behind and accidently trip over a cord and unplug a switch, that tends to get everyones attention.
Syquest is correct in the code sections that are applicable.

Richard S. Anderson, RCDD

http://www.servamatic.net

 

[Mountainbear]

Not sure of your Location, so I don't know how strict your fire marshal or electrical inspector is. If you are concerned I would get their request in writing even if it is just in an email. That way you can at least say you were over ruled by your "superiors", it is also a way to let them know that they will be responsible for the decision not you.

 

[FredWagner]

Another issue to consider - 'an electrical closet with an air conditioner over the door'. This is in a building which is airconditioned - but it is air conditioned 24x7? If not, and the out air conditioning is shut down on weekends, the server room may heat up, and your server will shut down. I fought a battle with this in a high rise, and eventually got a server room built with its own access to building chilled water cooling, without dependence on the air conditioning in the office spaces.

Fred Wagner

 

[JimHilton]

Fred makes a good point. I think he has a "consumer" air conditioner above the door, but where does the heat go from the condenser side of the unit?

I also have had grief with people storing those big blue bin with wheel things in the electrical as well. But a quick call to the fire dept solved that.

 

[Mountainbear]

I am amazed at how many people think the "storage room" is where the electrical panel is. I wouldn't be surprised if most office staff don't understand that electrical clearance is a legal requirement.

 

[SYQUEST]

Your point is well taken. But that is very true!! Most people have no clue that these things are like/safety issues or can lead to them under improper conditions...

They really do not understand the "space" concept for access, and that it is NOT someplace to store trash bins or ANYTHING ELSE! IT IS A LEGAL RESERVED SPACE PER NEC!

....JIM....