Overview

The provisions of Section 110.26, which cover spaces about electrical equipment, are there specifically to protect electrical personnel. They ensure that enough egress space is provided to safely allow electrical workers to perform theirtasks, and enough space to permit what limited reaction time may be available in the event of an arc blast event. While it is impossible to move faster than an arc blast, inches could mean the difference between life and death. Section 110.26 has been rearranged to provide substantiation regarding equipment doors that may entrap workers. A new list item was added to Subdivision 110.26(A) regarding floor spaces within the working space.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 110.26 has been revised to clarify previous requirements, and to include new requirements for worker safety. The text previously located in 110.26(A)(2)(b) has been moved to the main section text, as it applies to more than just the working space width. Doors of equipment could be opened in such a way that it creates an entrapment zone for personnel. This relocated text specifies that at least 24 inches of egress is required from the edge of the open door(s) to the next obstacle, such as a wall or another piece of equipment. This will provide a clear path for personnel to escape in the event of an emergency. Additionally, a new list item has been added in Subdivision 110.26(A). List item (6) now addresses the floor conditions within the working space of the electrical equipment. It now requires that the entire grade, floor, or working platform within the working space be as kept clear, level, and flat as practicable.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 110.26 read as follows:

110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.

Access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.

In the 2020 NEC List item (6) in Subdivision 110.26(A) did not exist.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Subsection 110.26 now reads as follows:

110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.

Working space, and access to and egress from working space, shall be provided and maintained about all electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Open equipment doors shall not impede access to and egress from the working space. Access or egress is impeded if one or more simultaneously opened equipment doors restrict working space access to be less than 610 mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0 m (61⁄2 ft) high.

In the 2023 NEC List item (6) in Subdivision 110.26(A) now reads as follows:

(6) Grade, Floor, or Working Platform.

The grade, floor, or platform in the required working space shall be kept clear, and the floor, grade, or platform in the working space shall be as level and flat as practical for the entire required depth and width of the working space.