110.26(A)

[codejunkie]

Question, We installed a motor starter without 3' of clearance at a customers plant. A coworker and I are going back and forth about whether or not it requires 3' of clearance. This piece of equipment has a safety interlock which will not allow any maintenance to be performed while energized. The feeders have a shield to protect workers during maintenance since the interlock will not de-energize the feeds. The big question is with this starter require 3' of clearance.

 

[ron]

For troubleshooting there has got to be someway to open the cover while energized (maybe de-energize, open cover and re-energize while disabling the safety). I would suggest the working space is required.

 

[RichB]

I think that as long as the shields on the line side are in place and there are "No other exposed live parts", like the buss work or contacts, then no you don't need the clear space for live electrical. However, if the shields are removed, and the feeds are not LOTO'd, then yes you do.

 

[codejunkie]

Energized

Energized

Another part of the argument is: Is the starter enclosure considered energized even if the feeders are shielded and the load is off?

 

[Strathead]

And here we go again. A search will reveal that this discussion has taken place more than once at this forum. The real question is the interpretation of "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized" If a mere voltage test is examination, then any item defined as equipment would require this working space. Since a Luminaire is actually listed as equipment, and light switches, duplexes, or other wiring devices could be considered equipment, working space would be every bit as required around all of them as around a starter or a disconnect.

Rather than try to interpret that which is clearly not properly written, why not just rewrite it? And another thing, HVAC equipment has starters and contactors etc. integral with the unit. So unless you are going to enforce the 3 foot rule for all HVAC equipment, you shouldn't enforce it for a starter.