Code & NEC
What working clearance is required?
Identify nominal voltage, exposed live parts, conditions, access, and dedicated space.
Working space is determined by the equipment, exposed energized parts, nominal voltage, condition across the space, and how the area is used.
Site survey
- Identify equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized.
- Record nominal voltage to ground and the condition on the opposite side of the space.
- Measure width, depth, and height from the actual equipment boundary.
Also check
- Door opening and egress requirements.
- Illumination and headroom.
- Dedicated equipment space, foreign systems, storage, and access route.
Common mistakes
- Measuring from the wall instead of the equipment face.
- Treating a movable cart or stored material as acceptable.
- Checking depth while overlooking width, height, doors, or egress.
Verification
- Photograph and record dimensions before equipment is energized; recheck after piping, ceilings, guards, and storage are installed.