Osha Electrical Panel Clearance

Minimum depth of clear working space at electric equipment 600 v or less.

Osha electrical panel clearance.

Here s a broad breakdown of space requirements when planning around electrical panels. For equipment designed for floor mounting clearance between top surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be provided to dissipate rising warm air. Minimum clearance around electrical panels carrying 600 volts or less insufficient clearance around electrical panels is one of the many electrical hazards that can endanger worker safety. The osha standard 29 cfr1910 305 d requires a dead front on electrical panel boards.

Obstructed access to panelboards can prevent personnel from shutting down the source of power in the event of an accident. Electrical 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. This 12 foot minimum requirement is also required over pavement and a minimum of 22 feet is required over roads. The national electrical code nfpa 70 110 26 requires a minimum of three feet of clearance for all electrical equipment serving 600 volts or less.

Insufficient clearances around panels lack of improper lockout tagout procedures failure to maintain proper clearance from overhead lines failure to follow manufacturer s instruction when using electrically powered equipment. Osha s standard for general electrical requirements 29 cfr 1910 303 includes a section for establishing and maintaining space around electrical panels and other systems that require servicing adjustments or maintenance while energized. For installations built on or after august 13 2007 1 98 m 6 5 ft except that where the electrical equipment exceeds 1 98 m 6 5 ft in height the minimum headroom may not be less than the height of the equipment. Cal osha regulations on electrical safety.

Part of this requirement includes using appropriate markings to alert people to potential electrical dangers and keep the area in front of this equipment clear so work can be performed safely. The occupational safety and health administration osha requires that employers keep their employees safe near electrical hazards. A clearance of at least 3 feet is required for equipment using 120 to 250 volts. Clearance to ensure that an electrical panel can be accessed at all times during inspection maintenance or emergency osha has determined that the working space in front of the equipment must be at least 30 inches wide or the width of the equipment.