Working space about electric equipment. Unguarded live parts above working space shall be maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table K-3. Does it require maintenance while energized? Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if they are enclosed; The width of working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in. Single conductor cable shall be size No. Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts shall be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter. The following requirements apply to elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, wheelchair lifts, and stairway chair lifts. Where the driving machine or the motor-generator set is located in a remote machinery space, a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors shall be provided and be capable of being locked in the open position. 2. Control equipment that by its very nature or because of other requirements in this subpart must be adjacent to or within sight of its operating machinery is permitted in the dedicated space. Openings in ventilated dry-type transformers and similar openings in other equipment shall be designed so that foreign objects inserted through these openings will be deflected from energized parts. Reply: Deenergizing the 110 volt control circuit in the above scenario appears to be infeasible as discussed in Note 2 following paragraph 1910.333(a)(1). Three rules from the general industry electrical standard are among Oregon OSHA's top 25 violations every year: 1910.303 (b): Examination, installation, and use of equipment. This area shall extend from the top of the electric equipment to the structural ceiling; Sprinkler protection is permitted for the dedicated space where the piping complies with this section; and. Installations accessible to qualified persons only. Any openings in such partitions or screens shall be so sized and located that persons are not likely to come into accidental contact with the live parts or to bring conducting objects into contact with them. One of the most common questions people have when setting standards in a facility for electrical panel clearance requirements is what OSHA says. 1910.306 - Specific purpose equipment and installations. Disconnecting means required by this subpart shall be capable of being locked in the open position. A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit for each arc welder that is not equipped with a disconnect mounted as an integral part of the welder. For failure to abate violations, the penalty amount is $14,502 per day beyond the abatement date. Employers may only use portable distribution and termination boxes that meet the following requirements: Occupational Safety & Health Administration. The overcurrent protection may not exceed the ampere rating of the receptacle, except as permitted in 1910.305(j)(4) for motor loads; Where single-pole connectors are used, they shall comply with the following: Where ac single-pole portable cable connectors are used, they shall be listed and of the locking type. 8. As a basic rule, there should be at least 3 feet of space in front of all equipment with a 30 inch width as well as 6 feet of headroom space. Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. Parts of electric equipment which in ordinary operation produce arcs, sparks, flames, or molten metal shall be enclosed or separated and isolated from all combustible material. Disconnecting Means. Application for variances under Paragraph 1910.11 must include a statement showing how the conditions, practices, means, methods, operations, or processes used or proposed to be used would provide employment and places of employment to employees which are as safe and healthful as those required under the standard from which a variance is sought. Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the following dimensions, except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart: The depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts may not be less than indicated in Table S-1. All fluidizing lines-would have to be purged in order to prevent plugging of the line. Specific purpose equipment and installations. It also helps by segmenting the power off in a way that prevents a full power outage when there is an issue in one area. Power supply circuits and receptacles for portable electric equipment. Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of the switch. Wiring for an amusement ride, attraction, tent, or similar structure may not be supported by another ride or structure unless specifically identified for the purpose. If more than one dc cell line process power supply serves the same cell line, a disconnecting means shall be provided on the cell line circuit side of each power supply to disconnect it from the cell line circuit. General. Open conductors are prohibited except as part of a listed assembly or festoon lighting installed in accordance with 1910.304(c). They bring all the electrical lines into one centralized location so that the main power source can feed them. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, the doors shall either open at least 90 degrees or be removable. Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (Sections 2299 - 2599) Group 2. These markings can include floor marking tape, floor signs, and labels. This means you cannot place machinery or other equipment in the space around an electrical panel without making sure that it meets the NEC working clearance requirements. The manually operated switch shall be installed adjacent to this equipment. Auxiliary nonelectrical connections. Hoppers and transitions could plug up with product. Dear Mr. Schuldt: They can also be mounted on some kind of support structure attached to the pump-motor assembly base. Note to paragraph (h)(5)(vi) of this section: Piping and other facilities are not considered foreign if provided for fire protection of the electrical installation. Portable distribution and termination boxes. Another nice thing about having these standardized requirements is that they apply across national boarders. If the disconnect for a piece of HVAC equipment doesn't have any fuses, then can you make the argument the switch will not require maintenance so that 3' clearance isn't required? Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing, labeling, or certification for that identified purpose. On elevators with generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller for the driving motor of the motor-generator set. Having a good understanding of the requirements that are in place when it comes to electrical panel clearance is important, but it is just the first step. Question 1: Paragraph 1910.333(a)(1) requires that live parts to which an employee may be exposed must be deenergized before the employee works on or near them, unless the employee can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Single-car and multicar installations. Electrical installations in a vault, room, or closet or in an area surrounded by a wall, screen, or fence, access to which is controlled by lock and key or other approved means, are considered to be accessible to qualified persons only. Your safety manager or other designated individual should have a list of where all the electrical panels in the facility are located. Space about electric equipment. A disconnecting means shall be provided between the runway contact conductors and the power supply. 1Minimum depth of clear working space in front of electric equipment with a nominal voltage to ground above 25,000 volts may be the same as that for 25,000 volts under Conditions A, B, and C for installations built before April 16, 1981. Richard E. Fairfax, Director Unless isolated from equipment by height or physical enclosures or covers that will afford adequate mechanical protection from vehicular traffic or accidental contact by unauthorized personnel or that complies with paragraph (g)(1)(vii)(A)(2) of this section, piping, ducts, or equipment foreign to the electrical installation may not be located in this area; The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment shall be kept clear of foreign systems unless protection is provided to avoid damage from condensation, leaks, or breaks in such foreign systems. Clear spaces. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device designed for the purpose. Enclosure, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Each disconnecting means required by this subpart for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. A clearance of at least 3 feet is required for equipment using 120 to 250 volts. Question: What would OSHA consider to be a safe distance for setting extra stock or empty containers from any electrical equipment such as ladder cable trays? Mr. William Overby There would be no additional need to deenergize circuits for other equipment to deenergize a motor and its controller disconnected by an individual disconnecting means which meets paragraph 1910.305(j)(4) requirements. Grouping. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. This is not only important for avoiding getting fined for violating the requirements, but also for ensuring your facility is as safe as possible. The following requirements apply to industrial and commercial laboratory equipment. Outdoor electrical installations having exposed live parts shall be accessible to qualified persons only. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Arcing parts. The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this subpart shall be acceptable only if approved, as defined in 1910.399. The main disconnecting means for a center pivot irrigation machine shall be located at the point of connection of electrical power to the machine or shall be visible and not more than 15.2 m (50 ft) from the machine. The points of control shall be located so that persons are prevented from contacting any live part or moving part of the equipment while turning on the lights. On single-car and multicar installations, equipment receiving electrical power from more than one source shall be provided with a disconnecting means for each source of electrical power. Note to paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section:Wooden plugs driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or similar materials are not considered secure means of fastening electric equipment. Parts of electric equipment that in ordinary operation produce arcs, sparks, flames, or molten metal shall be enclosed or separated and isolated from all combustible material. This is necessary because it is not practical to run dozens, or even hundreds, of different electrical lines directly into the main circuit. Control panels. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Condition B - Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. Durability of markings. The minimum elevation may be 2.4 m (8.0 ft) for installations built before April 16, 1981, if the nominal voltage between phases is in the range of 601-6600 volts. The ampere rating of this disconnecting means may not be less than the nameplate current rating of the equipment. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be suitably guarded. For example, a switchboard is located next to a disconnect (safety) switch. Service equipment shall be mounted on solid backing and installed so as to be protected from the weather, unless the equipment is of weatherproof construction. Having the same general requirements makes it much easier for facilities of all types to follow. Motor controllers. If deenergizing the control circuit(s) is infeasible, paragraph 1910.333(c)(2) would apply to work on or near the 110 volt control circuit(s). Standard Number: 1910.179 OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. When it is necessary to perform work on energized equipment, OSHA 1910.333 (a) (2) requires safety-related work practices to be used and NFPA 70E Article 110.8 (B) (1) requires an Electrical Hazard Analysis before work is performed on live equipment operating at 50 volts and higher. By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons; By suitable permanent, substantial partitions or screens so arranged so that only qualified persons will have access to the space within reach of the live parts. Our interpretations letters explain the requirements, and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations. U0xxx - Generic. Breaker panels should be easily accessible and should never be blocked. Receptacles that are located within 4.57 m (15 ft), or 6.08 m (20 ft) if the installation was built after August 13, 2007, of the inside walls of the pool shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers installed indoors. According to the National Electric Code, any electrical panel with 0 to 150 volts should have 36 inches of clearance around it for both the person working on it and their tools. This paragraph applies to induction and dielectric heating equipment and accessories for industrial and scientific applications, but not for medical or dental applications or for appliances. Includes references that provide information related to electrical in construction including OSHA's electrical construction regulations, hazard recogition, possible solutions and additional resources. Others will place the square around the area and then use diagonal stripes of floor markings to fill out the area, which makes it even more clear that nothing should be put in that place. OSHA 1910.145(f)(4)(ii): "Signal word must be readable from a distance of 5 feet (1.52m)." OSHA 1910.303(e): "Electrical equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment. Line connectors are of the listed sequential-interlocking type so that load connectors are connected in the following sequence: Equipment grounding conductor connection; Grounded circuit-conductor connection, if provided; and, Ungrounded conductor connection; and so that disconnection is in the reverse order; or. In locations where electric equipment would be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage. Where there are live parts normally exposed on the front of switchboards or motor control centers, the working space in front of such equipment shall not be less than 3 feet (914 mm). Except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by cabinets or other forms of enclosures, or by any of the following means: By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons. If more than one piece of equipment is operated from the same high-voltage circuit, each piece or each group of equipment as a unit shall be provided with a high-voltage switch or equivalent disconnecting means. The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the equipment served. 3Working space is not required in back of equipment such as dead-front switchboards or control assemblies that has no renewable or adjustable parts (such as fuses or switches) on the back and where all connections are accessible from locations other than the back. Listed, labeled, or certified equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with instructions included in the listing, labeling, or certification. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about electric equipment. For equipment designed for floor mounting, clearance between top surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be provided to dissipate rising warm air. 508 Carpenter Road If sprinklers are installed in hoistways, machine rooms, or machinery spaces, the disconnecting means may automatically open the power supply to the affected elevators prior to the application of water. To put it simply, you must have a policy in place that will ensure that any electrical panel in your facility can be easily accessed and worked on at all times. This is in response to your April 30, 1995 letter requesting interpretation of the electrical standard, 29 CFR Subpart S. Your letter, which was addressed to Mr. Joseph Pipkin, who is Director of the Office of Electrical, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Safety Standards in the Directorate of Safety Standards Programs of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was forwarded to the Directorate of Compliance Programs for response. At first glance many people would read the NEC electrical panel clearance requirements and assume that it simply means that you cannot put any additional equipment within the set amount of space. Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. Exception. Ungrounded portable electric equipment shall be distinctively marked and shall employ plugs and receptacles of a configuration that prevents connection of this equipment to grounding receptacles and that prevents inadvertent interchange of ungrounded and grounded portable electric equipment. This means you cannot stack inventory in this area, you cannot park high-lows or other vehicles in the area, and you cannot even put temporary items in the area. Type. In existing buildings where electrical equipment is being replaced, minimum 3' working clearance shall be permitted for nominal voltage to ground less than 151V or 3'-6" for nominal voltage to ground greater than 150V between dead-front switchboards, switchgear, Control panels not located in the same space as the drive machine shall be located in cabinets with doors or panels capable of being locked closed. Note to paragraph (j)(1) of this section: In determining these dimensions, the distance to be measured is the shortest path the supply cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, or ceiling of a building or other effective permanent barrier. Examples of solutions include the use of insulation, guarding, grounding, electrical protective devices, and safe work practices. Because this cabinet you saw is located near an exit door, let's first look at OSHA's general requirements for exit routes, emergency action plans and fire prevention plans [20 CFR 1910.37-39]. The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. Dear Mr. Overby: 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) Clearance When Facing Other Electrical Panels <480V. Switchboards, panelboards, and distribution boards installed for the control of light and power circuits, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage. Electrical panels need to be installed 4 off the ground with the center grip handle of the highest circuit breaker is no more than 6'7 high to be NEC compliant. Distances shall be measured from the live parts if they are exposed, or from the enclosure front or opening if the live parts are enclosed. 1910.303 (g) (1) (vi) (B) For installations built on or after August 13, 2007, 1.98 m (6.5 ft), except that where the electrical equipment exceeds 1.98 m (6.5 ft) in height, the minimum headroom may not be less than the height of the equipment. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850. Rather than move the motor control center at a cost of two million dollars, can a "safe job procedure" which is audited periodically be considered an acceptable alternative or is a variance required? By elevation of 2.44 m (8.0 ft) or more above the floor or other working surface. Durability. 10 or smaller conductors may be connected by means of wire binding screws or studs and nuts having upturned lugs or equivalent. In general, any electrical panel that has 0 to 150 volts going through it needs to have at least 36 of clearance around it. If the disconnecting means is an integral part of the motor controller, it shall be operable without opening the enclosure. Flexible cords and cables shall be continuous without splice or tap between boxes or fittings. Approval. Working space required by this subpart shall not be used for storage. Question 2: A motor control center does not meet Table S-1 work clearances required under paragraph 1910.303(g)(1) when working on live parts operating at 600 volts or less. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. No architectural appurtenance or other equipment may be located in the working space required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section. Electrolytic cells. While this is the most commonly accessed area, it is often necessary to also have space above the panel and on each side as well. (10 cm) for every 10 kV over that voltage. However, other equipment associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electric equipment may extend not more than 153 mm (6 in.) Connectors and cable connections may not be placed in audience traffic paths or within areas accessible to the public unless guarded. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code ( OESC) deals in detail with permanent and temporary theatrical electrical installations. This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth. Splices. "Infeasibility" is considered by OSHA on a case by case, work application basis. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. Disconnecting means. Induction and dielectric heating equipment shall be protected as follows: Protective cages or adequate shielding shall be used to guard work applicators other than induction heating coils. Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. This means if you have an inspection, you can count on the fact that the OSHA electrical panel clearance will be measured by the OSHA inspector to make sure that you are in compliance. Following the 110.26 NEC standards is fairly easy. The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) is a continuously updated online version of the CFR. Flexible cords and cables run on the ground, where accessible to the public, shall be covered with approved nonconductive mats. Other questions you can expect from an OSHA inspector include: (150 mm) Each ride and concession shall be provided with a fused disconnect switch or circuit breaker located within sight and within 1.83 m (6 ft) of the operator's station. Because of different characteristics of dissimilar metals: Devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identified for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used; Conductors of dissimilar metals may not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum) unless the device is identified for the purpose and conditions of use; and. Amusement rides or attractions may not be located under or within 4.57 m (15 ft) horizontally of conductors operating in excess of 600 volts. It designs clearance requirements that make sure employees have enough space around workplace equipment and in work and walking spaces. Even in countries that do not have strict regulations when it comes to electrical panel clearance will often voluntarily choose to follow the recommendations found in NFPA 70e. Additional lighting fixtures are not required where the working space is illuminated by an adjacent light source. Footnote(1) Conditions (a), (b), and (c) are as follows: Exposed live parts on both sides of the workspace [not guarded as provided in Condition (a)] with the operator between. Conductors and equipment used on circuits exceeding 600 volts, nominal, shall comply with all applicable provisions of paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section and with the following provisions which supplement or modify those requirements. Limit switch. Detachable panels not normally used for access to such parts shall be fastened in a manner that will make them difficult to remove (for example, by requiring the use of tools). Sources that provide helpful information about electrical in the workplace. 4. 61, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. Workspace about equipment. According to the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.303 (g), companies are required to provide 3 feet of clearance around electrical services and breaker panels with between 120 and 250 volts. . The specific electrical panel clearance requirements will depend on what area you are looking at, and how much voltage there is going through the panel. Interlock switches shall be used on all hinged access doors, sliding panels, or other such means of access to the applicator, unless the applicator is an induction heating coil at dc ground potential or operating at less than 150 volts ac. Even if they know how much room in inches is required, they may not be able to properly estimate how much room they are leaving when placing items in the area. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. [This document was amended on October 24, 2012 to strike information that no longer reflects current OSHA policy.] Where bare energized parts at any voltage or insulated energized parts above 600 volts are located adjacent to such entrance, they shall be guarded. Fire exit routes cannot be obstructed [29 CFR 1910.37 (a) (3)] and they cannot become more narrow at any point. Working space is not required in back 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 and where all connections are accessible from locations other than the back. The disconnecting means shall be a switch or circuit breaker, and its rating may not be less than that necessary to accommodate overcurrent protection. A limit switch or other device shall be provided to prevent the load block from passing the safe upper limit of travel of any hoisting mechanism. 1. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be guarded. We appreciate your interest in occupational safety and health. OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements. Interconnection between multicar controllers. Approval. 2932 Hazel Ave. On wheelchair lifts and stairway chair lifts, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller. Electrically driven or controlled irrigation machines -. This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth. Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating sufficient for the nominal circuit voltage and the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment. 1910.305 (g): Wiring requirements for flexible cords and cables. Of course, it is also important to try to determine who placed the item there so that they can be provided with the relevant training to ensure it does not happen again. Arcing parts. Similarly, panels with 151-600 volts require 42 inches of clearance. Doors or covers giving access to uninsulated parts of indoor signs or outline lighting exceeding 600 volts and accessible to other than qualified persons shall either be provided with interlock switches to disconnect the primary circuit or shall be so fastened that the use of other than ordinary tools will be necessary to open them. Receptacles and their mating plugs for ungrounded equipment may not have provision for a grounding conductor and shall be of a configuration that prevents their use for equipment required to be grounded. OSHA Requirements for Electrical Panel Floor Markings Where doors are used giving access to voltages of over 1000 volts ac or dc, either mechanical lockouts with a disconnecting means to prevent access until circuit parts within the cubicle are deenergized, or both door interlocking and mechanical door locks, shall be provided. 1910.305 (b): Wiring requirements for cabinets, boxes, and fittings.
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osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements