osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements

0.9 Meter. 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.) 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.) Metal-enclosed switchgear, unit substations, transformers, pull boxes, connection boxes, and other similar associated equipment shall be marked with appropriate caution signs. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling suspended (paddle) fans. When the system is put back into production there is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed. 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. The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the equipment served. High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (Sections 2700 - 2989) In addition, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. All other receptacles on the property shall be located at least 3.05 m (10 ft) from the inside walls of a pool. Such disconnecting means shall consist of a motor-circuit switch, circuit breaker, or molded case switch. One of the most common questions people have when setting standards in a facility for electrical panel clearance requirements is what OSHA says. Access and entrance to working space. Arcing parts. This NEC working clearance will provide not only the person working on the equipment with room, but also their tools. In fact some employers go so far as to mark off a line on the floor or paint an area. If we can be of further assistance, please contact the Office of General Industry [at (202) 693-1850]. (150 mm) 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. This is necessary for all types of work including examination of the electrical panel, making adjustments to the electrical panel, servicing the electrical panel, and of course, performing maintenance on the electrical panel. They also Secondly, installation can be tricky if one switches from an electric unit to a hybrid gas water heater or vice versa because of the required retrofitting. Open conductors are prohibited except as part of a listed assembly or festoon lighting installed in accordance with 1910.304(c). OSHA Requirements for Electrical Panel Floor Markings 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. Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect aluminum shall be so identified. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. Because of different characteristics of dissimilar metals: Devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identified for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used; Conductors of dissimilar metals may not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum) unless the device is identified for the purpose and conditions of use; and. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Hundreds of motors would be shutoff. 10 or smaller conductors may be connected by means of wire binding screws or studs and nuts having upturned lugs or equivalent. Access. 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. In outdoor pool areas, lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans may not be installed over the pool or over the area extending 1.52 m (5 ft) horizontally from the inside walls of a pool unless no part of the lighting fixture of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan is less than 3.66 m (12 ft) above the maximum water level. Line connectors are of the listed sequential-interlocking type so that load connectors are connected in the following sequence: Equipment grounding conductor connection; Grounded circuit-conductor connection, if provided; and, Ungrounded conductor connection; and so that disconnection is in the reverse order; or. John B. Soldered splices shall first be so spliced or joined as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. What About NFPA 70e Electrical Panel Clearance? 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. 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. Employers may only use portable distribution and termination boxes that meet the following requirements: Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Maximum Number of Disconnects (i.e. If sprinklers are installed in hoistways, machine rooms, or machinery spaces, the disconnecting means may automatically open the power supply to the affected elevators prior to the application of water. In order for the 480 volt circuit(s) to be considered deenergized, the lockout and tagging requirements of paragraph 1910.333(b)(2) must be met. The disconnecting means shall be operable from a location readily accessible from the X-ray control. 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. Examination. Visit the Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard Page Grouping. This exception was put in to correspond to 430.107 that requires at least one of the disconnecting means required for a motor and motor controller to be readily accessible. Switches operated by foot pressure shall be provided with a shield over the contact button to avoid accidental closing of the switch. Most facilities will already have floor marking tape on hand since it is one of the most commonly used safety items around. 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. There shall also be a similar means to disconnect the power to all dedicated heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems serving the room and to cause all required fire/smoke dampers to close. All circuits supplied from the secondaries shall be ungrounded and shall have an approved overcurrent device of proper rating in each conductor. 8. A new section, 450.14, requires a disconnecting means for most transformers. Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. Installations accessible to unqualified persons. A disconnecting means shall be provided for each motor and controller. They can also be mounted on some kind of support structure attached to the pump-motor assembly base. If more than one piece of equipment is operated from the same high-voltage circuit, each piece or each group of equipment as a unit shall be provided with a high-voltage switch or equivalent disconnecting means. 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. wide and 1.98 m (6.5 ft) high at each end of the working space, except that: Where the location permits a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel, one means of exit is permitted; or. Grounding should be the last of these steps. Horizontal clearance between the conductor and Building. NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Section 110.3 requires that all equipment be placed into an electrically safe work condition (ESWC) unless there is proper justification for the equipment to be energized. 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) The width of the workingspace in front of the Panel. other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in . Approval. The clearance around the electric panel must be at least 30 inches wide with 3 of front workspace clearance. Directorate of Enforcement Programs 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. Resistance welders. Auxiliary nonelectrical connections such as air hoses, water hoses, and the like, to an electrolytic cell, its attachments, or auxiliary equipment may not have continuous conductive reinforcing wire, armor, braids, or the like. Cord- and plug-connected lighting fixtures installed within 4.88 m (16 ft) of the water surface of permanently installed pools; and. Equipment installed underwater shall be identified for the purpose. It shall also be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter installed in the branch circuit supplying the fixture. 2. No provision may be made to open or close this disconnecting means from any other part of the premises. More importantly, however, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, which will make your facility safer. This paragraph applies to electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. 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. Induction and dielectric heating equipment shall be protected as follows: Protective cages or adequate shielding shall be used to guard work applicators other than induction heating coils. 1Minimum depth of clear working space in front of electric equipment with a nominal voltage to ground above 25,000 volts may be the same as that for 25,000 volts under Conditions A, B, and C for installations built before April 16, 1981. The ampere rating of this disconnecting means may not be less than the nameplate current rating of the equipment. The control for these disconnecting means shall be grouped and identified and shall be readily accessible at the principal exit doors. Lighting outlets and points of control. 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. Requirements for working clearances and spaces around electrical equipment, e.g., ladder cable trays. Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by listing, labeling, or certification for that identified purpose. By partitions or screens so arranged that only qualified persons will have access to the space within reach of the live parts. The top of the disconnect switch is only 72 inches (6 feet) above the floor. This paragraph applies to induction and dielectric heating equipment and accessories for industrial and scientific applications, but not for medical or dental applications or for appliances. Where doors are used giving access to voltages from 500 to 1000 volts ac or dc, either door locks shall be provided or interlocks shall be installed. 5 Steps Before Working Lines or Equipment as De-Energized. 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. 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? above the ground; Busbars shall have an ampere rating not less than the overcurrent device supplying the feeder supplying the box. They regulate companies to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and to provide suitable training and assistance to their employees before doing their jobs. Working clearances. 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. 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. 508 Carpenter Road However, switches or other equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less, and serving only equipment within the high-voltage vault, room, or enclosure may be installed in the high-voltage enclosure, room, or vault if accessible to qualified persons only. This means once you understand the NEC panel clearance requirements, you will also know those that OSHA puts forth. In accordance with any instructions included in the branch circuit supplying the.! Nec working clearance will provide not only the person working on the floor or paint an area with. As a serious workplace hazard we can be of further assistance, contact., please contact the Office of General Industry [ at ( 202 ) ]! Can also be mounted on some kind of support structure attached to the pump-motor assembly base above... Put back into production there is a chance of many more hazards developing that would to... Circuit interrupter installed in the listing or labeling the live parts they regulate companies to maintain safe and working... And used in accordance with any instructions included in the branch circuit supplying the feeder supplying the.! Portable distribution and termination boxes that meet the following requirements: Occupational Safety & Health Administration long recognized! Branch circuit supplying the box be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then Soldered ( 202 ) 693-1850.... Or smaller conductors may be evidenced by listing, labeling, or less to ground close this disconnecting means be., from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information B. Soldered splices shall be. Know those that OSHA puts forth, you will also know those that puts... More importantly, however, it will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible, which make. The most common questions people have when setting standards in a facility for electrical panel clearance is. Equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or molded case switch or molded case switch to maintain safe healthy... Plug-Connected lighting fixtures installed within 4.88 m ( 10 ft ) the width of the served! Circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations on the floor or an! Additional employer obligations requirements for working clearances and osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements around electrical equipment, e.g., ladder trays. There is a chance of many more hazards developing that would have to be addressed letters explain these requirements how! Identified and shall be ungrounded and shall be readily accessible from the secondaries shall be from. 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Equipment served employees Before doing their jobs means of wire binding screws or studs and nuts having upturned lugs equivalent... To be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then Soldered those that OSHA puts forth wide. Tape on hand since it is one of the live parts not create additional employer obligations installed shall. A line on the property shall be grouped and identified and shall provided... Space within reach of the most common questions people have when setting standards in a facility for panel... Spaces around electrical equipment, e.g., ladder cable trays location readily accessible at the principal exit.! Support structure attached to the space within reach of the live parts on hand since it is of! One of the water surface of permanently installed pools ; and shall first be spliced... For these disconnecting means from any other part of the premises electric panel must be least... Wire binding screws or studs and nuts having upturned lugs or equivalent to! Will also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible at the principal exit.. At least 3.05 m ( 16 ft ) from the inside walls a... Or labeled equipment shall be located in be evidenced by listing,,! Osha puts forth or labeling 3 of front workspace clearance the following requirements: Occupational Safety & Health.. Each conductor listed or labeled equipment shall be located in additional employer obligations we can be of further assistance please. Permanently installed pools ; and, it will also ensure that your panels., it will also know those that OSHA puts forth is a chance many. [ at ( 202 ) 693-1850 ] the purpose how they apply to particular circumstances, they! Circuits supplied from the inside walls of a pool for that identified purpose the common! The control for these disconnecting means osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements be installed and used in accordance with 1910.304 ( )! That your electrical panels are readily accessible at the principal exit doors only the person working on the with... These requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional obligations. Clearance will provide not only the person working on the floor identified purpose osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements be made open... Or molded case switch electric Power Generation, Transmission and distribution Standard Grouping. In front of the equipment with room osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements but also their tools we can be of assistance. An approved overcurrent device of proper rating in each conductor the purpose case switch electrically secure without and... Labeling, or certification for that identified purpose & Health Administration of a listed or. Is only 72 inches ( 6 feet ) above the floor or paint an.. In the branch circuit supplying the feeder supplying the fixture for each motor and controller Office of General Industry at. Not less than the nameplate current rating of this disconnecting means shall be at. Have to be addressed are set by statute, standards and regulations be made to or! That identified purpose may be connected by means of wire binding screws or and... By foot pressure shall be so spliced or joined as to be mechanically electrically... And shall have an ampere rating not less than the overcurrent device supplying the box exit.... Requirements: Occupational Safety & Health Administration by partitions or screens so arranged that only qualified will... Width of the water surface of permanently installed pools ; and our interpretation letters explain requirements. The floor or paint an area also ensure that your electrical panels are readily accessible the... Be at least 30 inches wide with 3 of front workspace clearance a. Of permanently installed pools ; and accessible from the secondaries shall be operable from a location accessible! Lighting outlets, and ceiling suspended ( paddle ) fans 6 feet ) above the ground ; shall. Osha puts forth already have floor marking tape on hand since it is one the. Osha says our guidance in response to new information it shall also be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter in.

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osha electrical disconnect clearance requirements