Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 110.26 and 314.

23(A) through (H)

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Russ LeBlanc

By Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant

Mon, 2012-07-23 17:36

I Need My Space
The panelboard shown in this photo originally had the
required workspace; however, over time, the space was
taken away by the installation of the plumbing pipes and
expansion tank. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common
problem, because other tradespeople dont know the
electrical code requirements. 110.26 requires access and
working space to be provided and maintained about all
electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and
maintenance of such equipment. Obviously, this space has
been compromised. 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum of 3
ft of clear working space depth in the direction of live parts.
110.26(A)(2) requires a minimum of 30 in. of width or the
width of the equipment (whichever is greater) in front of the
electrical equipment. 110.26(A)(3) requires the work space
in front of this panel to be clear from the floor to a height of
at least 6 ft or to the height of the equipment (whichever is
greater). This work space is so a worker can have some
room to work safely on the energized equipment. Even if this
equipment was de-energized, it would still be virtually
impossible to work on it in a safe manner.

Standing Tall, But Not Proud

This junction box must be supported in accordance with one
or more of the provisions in 314.23(A) through (H). In
accordance with 314.23(E), an enclosure not exceeding 100
in.3 that contains only splicing devices, does not support a
luminaire(s), lampholder, or other equipment, and is
supported by entering raceways, shall have threaded entries
or have hubs identified for the purpose. In addition, the box
shall be supported by two or more conduits threaded
wrench-tight into the enclosure or hubs. Each conduit shall
be secured within 3 ft of the enclosure or within 18 in. of the

07-03-15 2:25 PM

Illustrated Code Catastrophes: Sections 110.26 and 314.23(A) through (H)

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enclosure if all conduit entries are on the same side. The

exception in 314.23(E) permits a conduit body to be
supported by intermediate metal conduit, rigid metal
conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit, reinforced
thermosetting resin conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.
Since the 4-in.-square box is not a conduit body, the
exception is not applicable in this application. EMT and
FMC are simply not permitted as a supporting means for
junction boxes.
Source URL: http://ecmweb.com/violations/illustrated-code-catastrophes-sections-11026-and-31423athrough-h

07-03-15 2:25 PM