Space At Units

[sparks]

What are the working space requirments around hacr equipment.

[David P. Valley]

Sparks,

Working Space
Working space about electrical equipment that is likely to “require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized must be provided in accordance with Table 110-26(a). The working clearance must be in the direction of access to the equipment, or the part of the equipment, that is likely to be worked on while there are live exposed parts. It is very common for service persons to examine or test this equipment while it is energized.

Generally, this working space is 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep. Compliance with this working space rule requires that consideration be given to providing safe access at the time the equipment is being installed. Clear working space is required in front of access panels on this equipment.

[sparks]

Thank you for the reply, will the space always apply, even for those that are existing.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by sparks

Thank you for the reply, will the space always apply, even for those that are existing.

That may depend upon who is evaluating.

A home inspector will note the issue, regardless of past or exisiting building codes, as a matter of concern if he feels the limited access could endanger anyone or could effect the life/care of the equipment.

An AHJ might take a different view.

[Gerry Beaumont]

Hi to all,

here is the code from 2003 IRC mechanical section:

M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement.
Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. Thirty inches (762 mm) of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Room heaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters.
M1305.1.1 Central furnaces.
Central furnaces within compartments or alcoves shall have a minimum working space clearance of 3 inches (76 mm) along the sides, back and top with a total width of the enclosing space being at least 12 inches (305 mm) wider than the furnace. Furnaces having a firebox open to the atmosphere shall have at least a 6-inch (152 mm) working space along the front combustion chamber side. Combustion air openings at the rear or side of the compartment shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.
Exception: This section shall not apply to replacement appliances installed in existing compartments and alcoves where the working space clearances are in accordance with the equipment or appliance manufacturer's installation instructions.
M1305.1.2 Appliances in rooms.
Appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door open.
M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics.
Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
Exception: The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
M1305.1.3.1 Electrical requirements.
Alighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 38.
M1305.1.4 Appliances under floors.
Under floor spaces containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the service space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (102 mm) above the adjoining grade in accordance with Chapter 4. The rough framed access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), where the dimensions are large enough to remove the largest appliance.
Exception: The passageway is not required where the level service space is present when the access is open, and the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening.
M1305.1.4.1 Ground clearance.
Appliances supported from the ground shall be level and firmly supported on a concrete slab or other approved material extending above the adjoining ground. Appliances suspended from the floor shall have a clearance of not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the ground.
M1305.1.4.2 Excavations.
Excavations for appliance installations shall extend to a depth of 6 inches (152 mm) below the appliance and 12 inches (305 mm) on all sides, except that the control side shall have a clearance of 30 inches (762 mm).
M1305.1.4.3 Electrical requirements.
Alighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 38.

Regards

Gerry

[sparks]

Thank you for your help.