Spaces About Electrical Equipment.

Requirements for Working Spaces Around Electrical Equipment (NEC 110.26)

This section specifies the requirements for working spaces around electrical equipment operating at 1000 volts or less, ensuring safe operation and maintenance.

General Requirements

• Working spaces must always be maintained around electrical equipment for safe operation and maintenance.
• These requirements apply to equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, or servicing while energized.

(A) Working Space

This subsection defines the dimensions of working spaces required around electrical equipment. Details are as follows:

(1) Depth of Working Space

The depth required depends on the voltage and conditions around the equipment, as outlined in the table below:

Nominal Voltage to Ground	Condition 1	Condition 2	Condition 3
0-150	900 mm (3 ft)	900 mm (3 ft)	900 mm (3 ft)
151-600	900 mm (3 ft)	1.0 m (3 ft 6 in)	1.2 m (4 ft)
601-1000	900 mm (3 ft)	1.2 m (4 ft)	1.5 m (5 ft)

Notes on Depth:

• Dead-Front Assemblies: No rear/side working space is required if all maintenance is done from the front.
• Low Voltage: Smaller working spaces are allowed for live parts ≤30V RMS, ≤42V peak, or ≤60V DC.
• Existing Buildings: Reduced clearance is permitted with written maintenance procedures.

(2) Width of Working Space

The width must be at least 762 mm (30 in.) or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater, and must allow doors/panels to open at least 90 degrees.

(3) Height of Working Space

• Working space must extend from the floor to 2.0 m (6.5 ft) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater.
• Equipment associated with the installation may protrude up to 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the front.
• Exceptions:
  • Panels ≤200A in existing dwellings.
  • Meters installed in meter sockets.
  • Open battery racks follow 480.10(D) clearance requirements.

(4) Limited Access

When equipment is installed in spaces with limited access:

• Ceiling openings must be at least 559 mm × 559 mm (22 in. × 22 in.), or crawl space openings must be 559 mm × 762 mm (22 in. × 30 in.).
• Working space width must be at least 762 mm (30 in.) or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater.
• Doors/panels must open at least 90 degrees.
• Depth must follow the requirements in the table above.