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. 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. AOP Forum Rules: Rules For Equipment Owners. Your letter has been referred to the Directorate of Enforcement Program's (DEP's) Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your question regarding clearances from electrical equipment. Remote crane or hoist controls that may introduce hazardous electrical conditions into the cell line working zone shall employ one or more of the following systems: Pendant pushbutton with nonconductive supporting means and with nonconductive surfaces or ungrounded exposed conductive surfaces; or. Closely following the new requirements in the 2002 NEC for motor disconnect locations will help make safety a reality. Thank you for your recent letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Integrated electrical systems covered by 1910.308(g) need not have the disconnecting means required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section. Clearance To ensure that an electrical panel can be accessed at all times - during inspection, maintenance or emergency - OSHA has determined that the working space in front of the equipment must be at least 30-inches wide (or the width of the equipment). Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers installed indoors. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. If fixed electric equipment is mounted on an energized conductive surface, it shall be bonded to that surface. A good start is to make sure that you have a written policy that everyone in the facility is aware of that makes it clear that inventory and other items may not be placed around any electrical panel. A single receptacle of the locking and grounding type that provides power for a permanently installed swimming pool recirculating pump motor may be located not less than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the inside walls of a pool. Soldered splices shall first be so spliced or joined as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered. 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. 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. 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. 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? 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. Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. Mr. William Overby Where the working space required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section is doubled, only one entrance to the working space is required; however, the entrance shall be located so that the edge of the entrance nearest the equipment is the minimum clear distance given in Table S-1 away from such equipment. Doors or detachable panels shall be employed for internal access. The supply circuit disconnecting means is permitted as a heating equipment disconnecting means where the circuit supplies only one piece of equipment. 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. Removable links or removable conductors may be used as the disconnecting means. Arcing parts. Ladder clearance On elevators without generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller. Disconnecting means. Splices. The electric panel door must be able to open to a 90-degree angle. OSHA's position that the main or emergency switches must be capable of being locked out. A readily accessible disconnecting means shall be provided by which each heating equipment can be isolated from its supply circuit. 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. OSHA's standard for general electrical requirements (29 CFR 1910.303) includes a section for establishing and maintaining space around electrical panels and other systems that require servicing, adjustments, or maintenance while energized. It shall be designed so no pole can be operated independently and shall be capable of being locked in the open position. Another nice thing about having these standardized requirements is that they apply across national boarders. All of these options will use effective visual communication standards to make sure that nothing is placed in the area directly around your electrical panels. 61, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. For indoor installation, the dedicated space shall comply with the following: The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.83 m (6.0 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. 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. Working space required by this subpart shall not be used for storage. By location on a balcony, gallery, or platform so elevated and arranged as to exclude unqualified persons. At least one entrance shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment. The manually operated switch shall be installed adjacent to this equipment. Hot glue machines would be shutdown and the glue would set. 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. Portable distribution and termination boxes. Voltage testing should follow lock out/tag out. Space about electric equipment. Cables and mats shall be arranged so as not to present a tripping hazard. Visit the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Our interpretations letters explain the requirements, and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations. Cord- and plug-connected lighting fixtures installed within 4.88 m (16 ft) of the water surface of permanently installed pools; and. 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. On wheelchair lifts and stairway chair lifts, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller. Some facilities will simply place the tape in a square around the panel to show the necessary distance that needs to be kept clear. 4. 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. Amusement rides and amusement attractions shall be maintained not less than 4.57 m (15 ft) in any direction from overhead conductors operating at 600 volts or less, except for the conductors supplying the amusement ride or attraction. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. 600 Volts, nominal, or less. 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. For installations other than equipment described in paragraph (h)(2)(v) of this section, a wall, screen, or fence shall be used to enclose an outdoor electrical installation to deter access by persons who are not qualified. Would deenergizing the 110 volt control circuit as described in the scenario above be considered infeasible as delineated in the aforementioned standard? Motor controllers. Fixed electric equipment may be bonded to the energized conductive surfaces of the cell line, its attachments, or auxiliaries. A shunt trip device that opens the fused disconnect or circuit breaker when a switch located in the ride operator's console is closed is a permissible method of opening the circuit. Lighting outlets and points of control. 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. 2 or larger. The disconnecting means shall be a listed device. The depth shall be as required in Table K-2. 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; By placement on a suitable balcony, gallery, or platform so elevated and otherwise located as to prevent access by unqualified persons; or. This paragraph applies to X-ray equipment. Location. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Except as required or permitted elsewhere in this subpart, the dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts operating at 600 volts or less and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive shall not be less than indicated in Table K-1. 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. Electrical wiring for temporary lighting, where installed inside of tents and concessions, shall be securely installed, and, where subject to physical damage, shall be provided with mechanical protection. Examination. See if you can "orient" the disconnect so as to have requisite clearance in front. Application. Identified Replacement Component Required.. Programmable Logic Controllers shut off in some instances and there is no power back-up. 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. The following requirements apply to indoor installations that are accessible to other than qualified persons: The installations shall be made with metal-enclosed equipment or shall be enclosed in a vault or in an area to which access is controlled by a lock; Metal-enclosed switchgear, unit substations, transformers, pull boxes, connection boxes, and other similar associated equipment shall be marked with appropriate caution signs; and. 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. Does it require maintenance while energized? It is not an official legal edition of the CFR. Electrical Safety. When used outdoors, flexible cords and cables shall also be listed for wet locations and shall be sunlight resistant. Flexible cords and cables shall be continuous without splice or tap between boxes or fittings. No marks or blemishes on wheel faces. Circuit impedance and other characteristics. Workspace about equipment. 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. 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. Swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations. Includes references that provide information related to electrical in construction including OSHA's electrical construction regulations, hazard recogition, possible solutions and additional resources. Unguarded live parts above working space shall be maintained at elevations not less than specified in Table K-3. Exposed conductive surfaces, such as electric equipment housings, cabinets, boxes, motors, raceways and the like that are within the cell line working zone. OSHA standard 1910.303 clearance requirements apply to many types of electrical equipment, not just breaker panels. Marking. All panel controls shall be of dead-front construction. The relevant section of the national electric code here is NEC 110.26. Equipment intended to interrupt current at other than fault levels shall have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage sufficient for the current that must be interrupted. Control power is off on a large number of machines. Following the 110.26 NEC standards is fairly easy. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about electric equipment. There should be at least three to three-and-a-half feet of clearance in front of all electrical disconnects and breaker panels. 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. 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. If the voltage is higher than 50kV, the clearance shall be increased 4 in. 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). 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. Headroom. The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the sign or outline lighting system that it controls. What About NFPA 70e Electrical Panel Clearance? Wooden plugs driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or similar materials shall not be used. Electric equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted. 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 worker has to be qualified, trained and can demonstrate skills, while exposed to electrical hazards. 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. Carnivals, circuses, fairs, and similar events. Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. Cord connectors may not be laid on the ground unless listed for wet locations. Arcing parts. Reply: 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(ii) and 1910.303(h)(2)(ii) address the protection of electric equipment that may be exposed to physical damage. The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. The safety-related work practices under paragraphs 1910.331 through 1910.335 are predicated on compliance with the aforementioned electrical installation requirements. Permanent and conspicuous warning signs shall be provided, reading substantially as follows: Pipes or ducts that are foreign to the electrical installation and that require periodic maintenance or whose malfunction would endanger the operation of the electrical system may not be located in the vicinity of service equipment, metal-enclosed power switchgear, or industrial control assemblies. Where accessible to unqualified persons, the enclosure for the switch or circuit breaker shall be of the lockable type. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. On switchboard and control panels exceeding 1.83 m (6.0 ft) in width, there shall be one entrance at each end of such boards unless the location of the switchboards and control panels permits a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel, or unless the work space required in paragraph (h)(5)(i) of this section is doubled. 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. 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. 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. 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. Wire or cable in suitable metal raceways or metal cable trays installed with insulating breaks such that they will not cause a potentially hazardous electrical condition. 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