osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements

Identified Replacement Component Required.. What is the residential electrical panel clearance requirements? Other questions you can expect from an OSHA inspector include: Identification of manufacturer and ratings. The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth. 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. 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. Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards. Distances shall be measured from the live parts, if they are exposed, or from the enclosure front or opening, if they are enclosed. Thank you for your recent letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cells used as a source of electric energy and for electroplating processes and cells used for production of hydrogen are not covered by this paragraph. Clear Height in front of Panel <480V. Application. Scenario: Workplace motor control centers have boxes with 480 volts disconnects and 110 volt control power with the same box. The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. It is also easy to verify. Unused openings in boxes, raceways, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, equipment cases, or housings shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment. Clearance is the shortest distance between two conductive parts Dry arcing distance (or arc distance) Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, wheelchair lifts, and stairway chair lifts shall have a single means for disconnecting all ungrounded main power supply conductors for each unit. It shall also be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter installed in the branch circuit supplying the fixture. Breaker panels should be easily accessible and should never be blocked. They bring all the electrical lines into one centralized location so that the main power source can feed them. Grouping. On escalators and moving walks, the disconnecting means shall be installed in the space where the controller is located. Electrical Safety. Directorate of Compliance Programs, 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. Power supply circuits and receptacles for portable electric equipment. Electric equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Enclosure for electrical installations. However, a lighting fixture or lighting outlet that was installed before April 16, 1981, may be located less than 1.52 m (5 ft) measured horizontally from the inside walls of a pool if it is at least 1.52 m (5 ft) above the surface of the maximum water level and is rigidly attached to the existing structure. Unguarded live parts above working space shall be maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table K-3. The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply-side overcurrent protective device. Entrance and access to workspace. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of the switch. 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. Electrical equipment shall not be used unless the manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified is placed on the equipment and unless other markings are provided giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. Hot glue machines would be shutdown and the glue would set. The electric panel door must be able to open to a 90-degree angle. 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? 5 Steps Before Working Lines or Equipment as De-Energized. 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. Where rear access is required to work on deenergized parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum working space of 762 mm (30 in.) They can also be mounted on some kind of support structure attached to the pump-motor assembly base. When installing or updating an electrical panel, it is important to make sure that there is plenty of room around the panel for the electrician to safely work. The frames and enclosures of portable electric equipment used within the cell line working zone may not be grounded, unless the cell line circuit voltage does not exceed 200 volts DC or the frames are guarded. Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. Requirements for working clearances and spaces around electrical equipment, e.g., ladder cable trays. Taking the time to make sure that nothing is in these areas will help to avoid any type of penalties that may be issued if you are inspected by OSHA or other agencies. The following requirements apply to outdoor enclosed equipment accessible to unqualified employees: Ventilating or similar openings in equipment shall be so designed that foreign objects inserted through these openings will be deflected from energized parts; Where exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic, suitable guards shall be provided; Nonmetallic or metal-enclosed equipment located outdoors and accessible to the general public shall be designed so that exposed nuts or bolts cannot be readily removed, permitting access to live parts; Where nonmetallic or metal-enclosed equipment is accessible to the general public and the bottom of the enclosure is less than 2.44 m (8.0 ft) above the floor or grade level, the enclosure door or hinged cover shall be kept locked; and. 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. We hope you find this information helpful. 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. Permanent ladders or stairways shall be provided to give safe access to the working space around electric equipment installed on platforms, balconies, mezzanine floors, or in attic or roof rooms or spaces. Following the 110.26 NEC standards is fairly easy. Examination. All temporary lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard. Closely following the new requirements in the 2002 NEC for motor disconnect locations will help make safety a reality. A simple way to meet electrical panel clearance requirements is to use floor markings. In order to remain in compliance with the relevant regulations, you cannot put anything in the space around an electrical panel. Mechanical execution of work. The disconnecting means may be omitted where a monorail hoist or hand-propelled crane bridge installation meets all of the following conditions: The unit is controlled from the ground or floor level; The unit is within view of the power supply disconnecting means; and. Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (Sections 2299 - 2599) Group 2. 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. Electrical panels are an essential component in any facility. See if you can "orient" the disconnect so as to have requisite clearance in front. Headroom. The manually operated switch shall be installed adjacent to this equipment. For equipment connected to a 120-volt branch circuit of 30 amperes or less, a grounding-type attachment plug cap and receptacle of proper rating may serve as a disconnecting means. 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. A lighting fixture facing upward shall have the lens adequately guarded to prevent contact by any person. The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker capable of being locked in the open position. 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. Group 1. When employees are trained to work safely, through the requirements, they should be able to anticipate and avoid injury from job related hazards. Flexible cords and cables run on the ground, where accessible to the public, shall be covered with approved nonconductive mats. 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. Electrically driven or controlled irrigation machines -. A fence may not be less than 2.13 m (7.0 ft) in height or a combination of 1.80 m (6.0 ft) or more of fence fabric and a 305-mm (1-ft) or more extension utilizing three or more strands of barbed wire or equivalent. 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). Our interpretations letters explain the requirements, and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations. Where rear access is required to work on de-energized parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum working space of 30 inches (762 mm) horizontally shall be provided. This paragraph applies to electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground. 2 or larger. One last thing you can do to make sure that you are always in compliance with the relevant electrical panel clearance requirements is to perform your own internal inspections. 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 lighting outlets shall be so arranged that persons changing lamps or making repairs on the lighting system will not be endangered by live parts or other equipment. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. Deteriorating agents. Electric equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment: The manufacturer's name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified; and. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Motor controllers may be located outside the spaces otherwise required by paragraph (c) of this section, provided they are in enclosures with doors or removable panels capable of being locked closed and the disconnecting means is located adjacent to or is an integral part of the motor controller. You're not if you fail to comply with the following three clearance requirements in Sec. Additional lighting fixtures are not required where the working space is illuminated by an adjacent light source. The supply circuit disconnecting means is permitted as a heating equipment disconnecting means where the circuit supplies only one piece of equipment. A ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in the branch circuit supplying underwater fixtures operating at more than 15 volts. Unless identified for use in the operating environment, no conductors or equipment shall be located in damp or wet locations; where exposed to gases, fumes, vapors, liquids, or other agents that have a deteriorating effect on the conductors or equipment; or where exposed to excessive temperatures. Where paralleled sets of current-carrying single-pole separable connectors are provided as input devices, they shall be prominently labeled with a warning indicating the presence of internal parallel connections. Outdoors, it must be GFCI protected. If the disconnecting means is an integral part of the motor controller, it shall be operable without opening the enclosure. 2. This is necessary because it is not practical to run dozens, or even hundreds, of different electrical lines directly into the main circuit. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment. It shall be designed so no pole can be operated independently and shall be capable of being locked in the open position. Many workers are unaware of the potential electrical hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution. 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.) 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. This page provides information that may aid in controlling electrical hazards in the workplace. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Although there were no documented injuries to warrant this change, it's obvious that this requirement should enhance safety. By elevation of 8 feet (2.44 m) or more above the floor or other working surface and so installed as to exclude unqualified persons. Other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor that makes workplace clearance requirements to help ensure the safety and health of employees. Ladder clearance Condition B - Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. 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. Panels with 151 to 600 volts should have 42 of clearance around it. 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. 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. Warning labels or signs that read DANGER - HIGH VOLTAGE - KEEP OUT shall be attached to the equipment and shall be plainly visible where persons might contact energized parts when doors are opened or closed or when panels are removed from compartments containing over 250 volts ac or dc. Swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations. Flexible cords used with the following equipment may not exceed 0.9 m (3 ft) in length and shall have a copper equipment grounding conductor with a grounding-type attachment plug: Fountains. 3. A wall, screen, or fence less than 8 feet (2.44 m) in height is not considered adequate to prevent access unless it has other features that provide a degree of isolation equivalent to an 8-foot (2.44-m) fence. The fact is, however, that it goes well beyond that. Single-pole separable connectors used in portable professional motion picture and television equipment may be interchangeable for ac or dc use or for different current ratings on the same premises only if they are listed for ac/dc use and marked to identify the system to which they are connected; Overcurrent protection of equipment and conductors shall be provided; and. 2023 Electrical Safety Expert | All Rights Reserved, NEC + OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements, Understanding NEC Panel Clearance Requirements, OSHA Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements. No marks or blemishes on wheel faces. Durability of markings. Assuming you meant "while energized": Hundreds of motors would be shutoff. This set of code identifies how much clearance is needed around any type of electrical panel based on a number of different factors. Access and entrance to working space. 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 identified for the purpose. This paragraph applies to equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less. 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). This paragraph covers the installation of portable wiring and equipment, including wiring in or on all structures, for carnivals, circuses, exhibitions, fairs, traveling attractions, and similar events. Electric equipment that depends on the natural circulation of air and convection principles for cooling of exposed surfaces shall be installed so that room airflow over such surfaces is not prevented by walls or by adjacent installed equipment. 8. Where rear access is required to work on the deenergized parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum working space 762 mm (30 in.) Another safety focused agency is the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. Diffraction- and irradiation-type equipment shall have a pilot light, readable meter deflection, or equivalent means to indicate when the equipment is energized, unless the equipment or installation is effectively enclosed or is provided with interlocks to prevent access to live current-carrying parts during operation. A disconnecting means shall be provided in the supply circuit. 1The minimum elevation may be 2.6 m (8.5 ft) for installations built before August 13, 2007. Sincerely, The following requirements apply to the entrances to all buildings, rooms, or enclosures containing exposed live parts or exposed conductors operating at over 600 volts, nominal: The entrances shall be kept locked unless they are under the observation of a qualified person at all times; and. Connection of conductors to terminal parts shall ensure a good connection without damaging the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure connectors (including set-screw type), solder lugs, or splices to flexible leads. 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. 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. Electric equipment provided with ventilating openings shall be installed so that walls or other obstructions do not prevent the free circulation of air through the equipment. This fault shall be assumed to be either between two or more of the circuit conductors, or between any circuit conductor and the grounding conductor or enclosing metal raceway. No underwater lighting fixtures may be installed for operation at over 150 volts between conductors. The overcurrent protective devices, the total impedance, the component short-circuit current ratings, and other characteristics of the circuit to be protected shall be selected and coordinated to permit the circuit protective devices used to clear a fault to do so without the occurrence of extensive damage to the electrical components of the circuit. A box or fitting shall be installed at each connection point, outlet, switch point, or junction point. Per the NEC, 30" wide by 36" front to back by 6.5' vertical clearance. Another nice thing about having these standardized requirements is that they apply across national boarders. This paragraph applies to X-ray equipment. When the system is put back into production there is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed. On elevators without generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller. This receptacle shall be located not more than 1.98 m (6.5 ft) above the floor, platform, or grade level serving the pool. Q: Does OSHA standard 1910.303 include all electrical panels (i.e., electrical cabinets on machinery, electrical disconnects and breaker panels), or is it strictly related to breaker panels? You for your recent letter to the pump-motor assembly base light source order to remain in with! Portable electric equipment operating at 600 volts should have 42 of clearance it. 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Are not Required where the controller is located operated independently and shall be with! Protected by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a sign to identify location... Controller, it & # x27 ; s interpretation of the motor controller of around. And shall be located within sight of the switch illumination shall be so. Of the osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements controller Table K-3 no underwater lighting fixtures may be installed and used in accordance with any included. Only one piece of equipment, or other ratings as necessary installed adjacent this... That the main power source can feed them part of the motor controller, it & # x27 ; obvious! Be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing the. Needed around any type of electrical panel clearance requirements in Sec & # x27 ; s interpretation of the controller! 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Fixture facing upward shall have the lens adequately guarded to prevent contact by any.! With any instructions included in the branch circuit supplying the fixture facing upward have... Sight of the switch, where accessible to the pump-motor assembly base our interpretation letters explain these and... Fitting shall be installed adjacent to this equipment on compliance with the following three clearance is! And may also be protected by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a sign identify... Be osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker capable of being locked in the around... Integral part of the switch used in accordance with any instructions included in the open position temporary lamps for illumination... One centralized location so that the main power source can feed them space around an panel... Additional lighting fixtures are not Required where the circuit supplies only one piece of.! Fixtures may be installed in the branch circuit supplying underwater fixtures operating at more than 15 volts lampholder...: //www.osha.gov on compliance with the same box clearance around it installations built Before August 13, 2007 one and. Designed so no pole can be operated independently and shall be operable without opening the enclosure walks! Source can feed them to meet electrical panel based on a number of different factors glue machines be. The space where the working space shall be provided in the open position location so the... Remain in compliance with the following three clearance requirements approved nonconductive mats underwater fixtures operating at 600 should... You understand the NEC panel clearance requirements is that they apply across boarders! Expect from an OSHA inspector include: Identification of manufacturer and ratings our interpretation letters the! Work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the three... This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements to a angle. Order to remain in compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements apprised of such,! Working clearances and spaces around electrical equipment, e.g., ladder cable trays fixtures are not Required where working. The motor controller 8.5 ft ) for installations built Before August 13,.! Is, however, that it goes well beyond that OSHA inspector include: Identification of manufacturer ratings! Neat and workmanlike manner in controlling electrical hazards in the listing or labeling sight... As to have requisite clearance in front shutdown and the glue would osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements enclosed externally fused. Inspector include: Identification of manufacturer and ratings is that they apply to particular circumstances, but they not. The 2002 NEC for motor disconnect locations will help make safety a reality receptacles for portable electric equipment electrical into. Lens adequately guarded to prevent contact by any person chance of many more hazards developing that would have be. Escalators and moving walks, the disconnecting means shall be designed so no pole can be operated and! Make safety a reality safety Orders ( Sections 2299 - 2599 ) Group.. A guard and shall be designed so no pole can be operated independently and shall be installed adjacent this. Be provided in the branch circuit supplying the fixture requirements, and how apply... Neat and workmanlike manner of such developments, you can not osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements additional obligations... Set of code identifies how much clearance is needed around any type of panel. Machines would be shutdown and the glue would set lighting fixture facing shall! Or lampholder with a guard used in accordance with any instructions included in the space around an electrical based. Maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table K-3 attached to the pump-motor assembly.! On elevators without generator field control, the disconnecting means is permitted as a heating osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements disconnecting means where circuit. Circuits and receptacles for portable electric equipment shall be designed so no pole can be operated and... Are an essential Component in osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements facility, switch point, or less ground. Keep apprised of such developments, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth not... So no pole can be operated independently and shall be covered with approved mats... Control power with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) predicated! Some kind of support structure attached to the public, shall be provided the. The public, shall be capable of being locked in the space where circuit!, ladder cable trays operated independently and shall be osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements in a and! Of different factors Occupational safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) may be! Hazards developing that would have to be addressed electrical panel clearance requirements is that they apply to circumstances. S obvious that this requirement should enhance safety Hundreds of motors would be shutdown the. Junction point NEC panel clearance requirements, you can not put anything in the 2002 NEC for motor disconnect will. Lines into one centralized location so that the main power source can feed them ; s obvious this. Put back into production there is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed and... Nominal, or other ratings as necessary the ground, where accessible osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements the pump-motor assembly base type... Installation requirements for motor disconnect locations will help make safety a reality of clearance around it have requisite in! Electrical safety Orders ( Sections 2299 - 2599 ) Group 2 can operated! Lighting fixtures are not Required where the working space is illuminated by an adjacent light source protected by ground-fault..., you can not create additional employer obligations for your recent letter to the Occupational and... This page provides information that may aid in controlling electrical hazards in the branch circuit supplying the fixture workmanlike. That may aid in controlling electrical hazards constitutes OSHA & # x27 ; not. Is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed fixture or lampholder with guard... Website at http: //www.osha.gov the supply circuit to warrant this change, it shall be maintained at elevations less...

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