Originally Posted by
Rick Cantrell
You stated:
"The required working space in front of electrical equipment (of that voltage) is 36" deep 'in-front-of' by 30" wide 'for-that-36"-depth'."
With respect to one that has more knowledge than I.
I think the section you are referencing is:
SECTION E3305 EQUIPMENT LOCATION AND CLEARANCES
E3305.2 Working clearances for energized equipment and
panel boards. Except as otherwise specified in Chapters 33
through 42, the dimension of the working space in the direction
of access to panel boards and live parts likely to require examination,
adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall
be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in depth. Distances shall be
measured from the energized parts where such parts are exposed
or from the enclosure front or opening where such parts are
enclosed. In addition to the 36-inch dimension (914 mm), the
work space shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) wide in
front of the electrical equipment and not less than the width of
such equipment.
SECTION E3305.2 is about (bold is mine)
"Working clearances for energized equipment and panel boards."
And states that
"access to panel boards and live parts likely to require examination,
adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized"
Correct, that's the IRC section comparable to the NEC requirements for working spaces.
Since the power to most (if not all) disconnects can be removed at a panel board then it does not need to be energized. Therefore this section may not apply, if this section does not apply then the required working area (30"x36") does not apply
Ah, that is where you stray ...
"can be" versus "likely to"
The code (neither the IRC nor the NEC) addresses "can be" - they only address "likely to require"
"Likely to" applies, thus that section *does apply*.
Also note the exception
"Except as otherwise specified in Chapters 33 through 42, ..."
Chapter 40 does have a specification for A/C disconnects, which states.
TABLE E4001.5 DISCONNECTING MEANS
Air-conditioning condensing units and heat pump units.
A readily accessible disconnect within sight from unit as the only allowable means.
So what is "readily accessible"?
ELECTRICAL DEFINITIONS
ACCESSIBLE,READILY. Capable of being reached quickly
for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those
to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove
obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.
As you have already answered your own question, no, that (the disconnect in the photo) *is not* "readily accessible".
When a disconnect is located above or even behind the condenser unit it may still be "Readily accessible".
It may be "readily accessible" when installed behind the condenser unit, however, it does not have the required "working space" "in front of" it.
Two distinctly different issues and requirements, however, *BOTH* apply.
As long as it is capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections without having to climb over or remove something and without having to use a ladder.
There is no restriction on reaching over or reaching behind.
You are missing two things in there:
"Climb over" as in 'be required to reach over because you do not have the required working space "in front of" it'.
"Reaching behind" ... see "climb over" above.
If it is "likely to" be inspected, maintained, examined, adjusted, serviced, etc., *while energized*, they working space is required.
You will note in the definitions that "electrical equipment" encompasses basically all parts of the electrical system, including raceways and fittings, however, it is "UNlikely" that raceways and fittings will need the stated working space as it is "UNlikely" that they will be taken apart "while energized. I know, I know, *I* have done it, but *I* have done other "UNlikely" things with regard to electrical systems too.
