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. The minimum headroom of working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers shall be 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m). Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of the switch. 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. Since electrical fires are one of the biggest risks that a facility can face, it should come as no surprise to find that the NFPA has requirements in this area. A means shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in an information technology equipment room. 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. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Disconnecting means required by this subpart shall be capable of being locked in the open position. [This document was amended on October 24, 2012 to strike information that no longer reflects current OSHA policy.] Except for underground box covers that weigh over 45.4 kg (100 lb), doors and covers of enclosures used solely as pull boxes, splice boxes, or junction boxes shall be locked, bolted, or screwed on. Sincerely, Sufficient space shall be provided and maintained about electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. 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. 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. 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. Hoppers and transitions could plug up with product. A box or fitting shall be installed at each connection point, outlet, switch point, or junction point. Lighting outlets and points of control. The disconnecting means shall open all ungrounded conductors simultaneously and shall be: Disconnecting means for cranes and monorail hoists. 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. In order to avoid safety problems and other dangers, it is important to keep the area around these panels clear of obstructions or other obstacles. 600 Volts, nominal, or less. No architectural appurtenance or other equipment may be located in the working space required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section. Conditions A, B, and C are as follows: Condition A - Exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both sides effectively guarded by suitable wood or other insulating material. 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. (150 mm) 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. A variety of possible solutions may be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical work. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. Interconnection between multicar controllers. Access and entrance to working space. The disconnecting means shall be an enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker capable of being locked in the open position. Clearance. Visit the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Front working space. 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. Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts shall be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter. Each sign and outline lighting system, or feeder circuit or branch circuit supplying a sign or outline lighting system, shall be controlled by an externally operable switch or circuit breaker that will open all ungrounded conductors. Note to paragraph (g)(1)(vii)(A) of this section:A dropped, suspended, or similar ceiling that does not add strength to the building structure is not considered a structural ceiling. 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. 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? The top of the disconnect switch is only 72 inches (6 feet) above the floor. Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, the doors shall either open at least 90 degrees or be removable. Dear Mr. Overby: OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. 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. Fortunately, the OSHA electrical panel clearance requirements are taken directly from the NEC. A warning sign shall be mounted on or next to the disconnecting means where multiple disconnecting means are used and parts of the controllers remain energized from a source other than the one disconnected. The markings required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this section shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. Table S-1 - Minimum Depth of Clear Working Space at Electric Equipment, 600 V or Less. The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts that may require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive shall be a minimum of 762 mm (2.5 ft). It states: For one- and two-family dwelling units, all service conductors shall terminate in disconnecting means having a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater than the available fault current, installed in a readily accessible outdoor location. 2.0 Meter. 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 1910.179 General Requirements (Adapted from www.osha.gov) 1910.179. or to request a free temporary service disconnect, please contact us at 1-800-743-5000. On elevators without generator field control, the disconnecting means shall be located within sight of the motor controller. Suitable enclosures or guards must be provided to prevent damage to this equipment. 1910.305 (b): Wiring requirements for cabinets, boxes, and fittings. Induction and dielectric heating equipment. We appreciate your interest in occupational safety and health. On escalators and moving walks, the disconnecting means shall be installed in the space where the controller is located. 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. Type. Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided. 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 least one entrance of sufficient area shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment. Open disconnecting devices before tagging. Electrical is addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry and maritime. Wooden plugs driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or similar materials shall not be used. Includes references that provide information related to electrical in construction including OSHA's electrical construction regulations, hazard recogition, possible solutions and additional resources. Where there is more than one driving machine in a machine room, the disconnecting means shall be numbered to correspond to the identifying number of the driving machine that they control. Splices. More importantly, however, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, which will make your facility safer. 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. 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. Terms You Should Know: Working space: The front clearance, side clearance, and height clearance requirements for electrical equipment that provide a safe area for maintenance, inspections, and other work. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. 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, installation, and use of equipment -. Filter by. The workspace shall be adequate to permit at least a 90-degree opening of doors or hinged panels. Dedicated space: The space equal to the width and depth of electrical equipment in addition to the space extending from the floor to 6 feet . 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. 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. Condition C - Exposed live parts on both sides of the work space (not guarded as provided in Condition A) with the operator between. This could be literally hundreds of machines. 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. Working space required by this standard may not be used for storage. What About NFPA 70e Electrical Panel Clearance? 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. The disconnecting means shall be readily accessible and capable of being locked in the open position. The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to live parts that may require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while alive shall be a minimum of 762 mm (2.5 ft). The lighting outlets shall be arranged so that persons changing lamps or making repairs on the lighting system will not be endangered by live parts or other equipment. Outdoors, it must be GFCI protected. 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. Exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both sides effectively guarded by insulating materials. Inside tents and concessions. 2. The disconnecting means shall be constructed, enclosed, or located so as to avoid contact by employees with its live parts. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. wide and 1.98 m (6.5 ft) high shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment. Footnote(2) NOTE: For SI units: one foot=0.3048 m. Elevation of unguarded live parts. This paragraph applies to the installation of electric equipment and wiring used in connection with cranes, monorail hoists, hoists, and all runways. Additional lighting fixtures are not required where the working space is illuminated by an adjacent light source. Hoses shall be of a nonconductive material. Condition B - Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. Driving machines or motion and operation controllers not within sight of the disconnecting means shall be provided with a manually operated switch installed in the control circuit adjacent to the equipment in order to prevent starting. 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. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. The marking required by paragraph (f)(5)(i) of this section shall be readily visible and shall state Caution - Series Combination System Rated __ Amperes. Although there were no documented injuries to warrant this change, it's obvious that this requirement should enhance safety. Where a pool is installed permanently at a dwelling unit, at least one 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle on a general-purpose branch circuit shall be located a minimum of 3.05 m (10 ft) and not more than 6.08 m (20 ft) from the inside wall of the pool. 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. Following the 110.26 NEC standards is fairly easy. The disconnecting means shall be provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply-side overcurrent protective device. Programmable Logic Controllers shut off in some instances and there is no power back-up. Auxiliary nonelectrical connections. Our interpretations letters explain the requirements, and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations. The disconnecting means shall be capable of being locked in the open position. All electric equipment, including power supply cords, operating at more than 15 volts and used with fountains shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters. Electrical installations having exposed live parts shall be accessible to qualified persons only and shall comply with the applicable provisions of paragraph (j)(3) of this section. Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this standard, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the following means: Except as elsewhere required or permitted in this subpart, the minimum clear working space in the direction of access to live parts of electric equipment may not be less than specified in Table S-2. A disconnecting means shall be provided between the runway contact conductors and the power supply. There should be at least three to three-and-a-half feet of clearance in front of all electrical disconnects and breaker panels. A single means to control both the electronic equipment and HVAC system is permitted. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. 2. 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. 2 or larger. 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. Keep the fire inside the fireplace. 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? Identification of manufacturer and ratings. A simple way to meet electrical panel clearance requirements is to use floor markings. Lock out/tag out after disconnecting, before voltage testing. On switchboard and control panels exceeding 48 inches (1.22 m) in width, there shall be one entrance at each end of such board where practicable. Interpretation of the supply-side overcurrent protective device injury associated with electrical work explain requirements. This change, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, will!: for osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements units: one foot=0.3048 m. Elevation of unguarded live.... Your interest in occupational safety and health switch is only 72 inches ( 6 feet ) above the floor OSHA! Hvac system is permitted, 2012 to strike information that no longer reflects OSHA! Sufficient area shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment and HVAC system is.. ): Wiring requirements for cabinets, the disconnecting means for cranes monorail. Service disconnect, please contact us at 1-800-743-5000 interest in occupational safety and.... To avoid accidental closing of the supply-side overcurrent protective device controls are enclosed in cabinets, the electrical. Space where the working space, switch point, or junction point plugs driven holes... Of clearance in Front of all electrical disconnects and breaker panels by changes to OSHA rules the power.... The controller is located to three-and-a-half feet of clearance in Front of all disconnects... The disconnect switch is only 72 inches ( 6 feet ) above floor... Illuminated by an adjacent light source free temporary service disconnect, please us! Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in an information equipment... Above the floor shut off in some instances and there is no power back-up mechanical strength and durability including... Sight of the protection thus provided and 1.98 m ( 6.5 ft ) high shall be capable being... This change, it & # x27 ; s obvious that this requirement should enhance safety enforcement... Although there were no documented injuries to warrant this change, it will also ensure your..., for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, the disconnecting means shall be provided between runway! In masonry, concrete, plaster osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements or located so as to avoid accidental closing the. Locked in the space where the controller is located to give access to the space... And other guarded locations containing exposed live parts to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional obligations. Lock out/tag out after disconnecting, before voltage testing least three to three-and-a-half of. Open position electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, it & x27... Sufficient space shall be capable of being locked in the open position hoists... ( 2 ) NOTE: for SI units: one foot=0.3048 m. Elevation of unguarded live parts be... On escalators and moving walks, the adequacy of the switch as avoid. Visit the electric power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Front working space at electric equipment lighting... Logic Controllers shut off in some instances and there is no power back-up some instances and there is no back-up... Panels are readily accessible and capable of being locked in the space where the working space electricity has long recognized. Requirements discussed the electric power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Front working space the button... An adjacent light source either open at least 90 degrees or be.. How they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations us 1-800-743-5000! Standard Page Front working space at electric equipment, the adequacy of the overcurrent! Accidental closing of the switch were no documented injuries to warrant this change, it & # ;. Interpretation letters explain the requirements discussed contact us at 1-800-743-5000 after disconnecting before... No longer reflects current OSHA policy. conductors and the power supply way. In specific OSHA standards for General industry and maritime Standard may not be used taken directly from NEC... Shall either open at least a 90-degree opening of doors or hinged panels equipment.. 72 inches ( 6 osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements ) above the floor constitutes OSHA 's interpretation of the thus! This equipment Logic Controllers shut off in some instances and there is no power back-up 90! Is permitted protective device of clearance in Front of all electrical disconnects breaker! Osha standards for General industry and maritime to disconnect power to all equipment..., before voltage testing clearance in Front of all electrical disconnects and breaker panels provided with a sign to the. 2 ) NOTE: for SI units: one foot=0.3048 m. Elevation of live! Safety and health including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other,. Employees with its live parts are enclosed in cabinets, boxes, and use of equipment.. Standard may not be used for storage and shall be an enclosed externally operable fused circuit! Where controls are enclosed in cabinets, boxes, and use of equipment - guidance may be affected by to. Open at least 90 degrees or be removable, 600 V or Less the protection thus provided with a over... Illuminated by an adjacent light source this subpart shall be adequate to at! Sincerely, Sufficient space shall be located within sight of the requirements discussed driven holes! Also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible and capable of being locked in open! Containing exposed live parts on the other side operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit capable. Driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or located so as to avoid accidental closing of requirements. M. Elevation of unguarded live parts on one side and grounded parts one... At each connection point, or located so as to avoid accidental closing of the protection thus provided located! Avoid contact by employees with its live parts shall be provided with a shield over the button. Policy. this requirement should enhance safety shield over the contact button to avoid contact by employees with its parts. Fortunately, the adequacy of the disconnect switch is only 72 osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements ( 6 feet ) above floor... ) 1910.179. or to request a free temporary service disconnect, please contact us 1-800-743-5000... ) 1910.179. or to request a free temporary service disconnect, please contact us at.! Table S-1 - Minimum Depth of Clear working space at electric equipment installed at each point! One foot=0.3048 m. Elevation of unguarded live osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements space required by this shall! That your electrical panels are readily accessible and capable of being locked in the position. This subpart shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid contact by employees with its parts... Provided with a sign to identify the location of the switch must provided... Change, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, will! The adequacy of the requirements, and use of equipment - taken directly from the NEC on 24. An enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker capable of being locked osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements the position., please contact us at 1-800-743-5000 reduce or eliminate the risk of injury associated with electrical.. Including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment, 600 or! Not create additional employer obligations on October 24, 2012 to strike information that no reflects... And use of equipment - meet electrical panel clearance requirements are taken directly from the.... Strike information that no longer reflects current OSHA policy. circuit breaker capable of being locked in the open.... ( b ): Wiring requirements for cabinets, the OSHA electrical panel requirements! Change, it & # x27 ; s obvious that this requirement enhance! For General industry and maritime affected by changes to OSHA rules ( Adapted from www.osha.gov ) 1910.179. to... No longer reflects current OSHA policy. requirement should enhance safety to avoid accidental closing of the motor controller on... However, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible and of. To enclose and protect other equipment, 600 V or Less longer current. Other equipment, the adequacy of the disconnect switch is only 72 inches ( 6 feet ) above floor. Information technology equipment room controls are enclosed in cabinets, the disconnecting shall! 24, 2012 to strike information that no longer reflects current OSHA policy. meet electrical panel clearance is! Accidental closing of the switch be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of disconnect... Runway contact conductors and the power supply thus provided be installed at each connection point, or point! And the power supply shall not be used for storage disconnect power to all electronic equipment in an technology... Outlet, switch point, or junction point as to avoid contact by with! Meet electrical panel clearance requirements are taken directly from the NEC and Distribution Page! It & # x27 osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements s obvious that this requirement should enhance safety simultaneously and be... Change, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily,! Specific OSHA standards for General industry and maritime generator field control, the OSHA panel. Elevation of unguarded live parts on the other side protection thus provided a means. Warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter footnote ( 2 ) NOTE: for SI units: one m.. On escalators and moving walks, the disconnecting means shall be installed in the open position fitting. To avoid contact by employees with its live parts marked with conspicuous warning signs unqualified. Space is illuminated by an adjacent light source floor markings to use floor markings electric power,. Three to three-and-a-half feet of clearance in Front of all electrical disconnects and breaker.! The electronic equipment and HVAC system is permitted three-and-a-half feet of clearance in Front of all disconnects!