Access hatch to electrical room

[buddy91082]

I have an electrical room within a building where the only means of accessing the room is through an access hatch in the wall. Personnel would need to unscrew the access on ale and then climb through the 3'w x 5'h cutout in the wall. Anyone know of any OSHA or NEC restrictions? It all low voltage less than 600v equipment.

Thanks.
B

 

[davidbeach]

What's the largest interrupting device?

The whole idea is bad, but with large enough equipment there are requirements for multiple doors with panic hardware. But even for the simplest equipment I'm not sure you'd meet the requirements for accessibility.

 

[EEJaime]

Buddy91082,
I think that is a code violation assuming you are in the NEC world and depending on your AHJ's interpretations. NEC 110-26(C)(1) requires at least one access to the space of sufficient size to allow access and egress from said space. "Egress" may be interpreted differently by some AHJ's, but is commonly taken to be a doorway. This ambiguity disappears if the switchgear is 1200Amp rated or greater then the provisions of 110-26(C)(2) apply making the access a minimum 24"w x 6' h doorway, and most likely two of them unless special provisions apply.
Regards,
EEJaime

 

[dpc]

I suspect this is a basic building code violation.

 

[buddy91082]

Not the best situation but the situation landed in our lap.

The NEC is not specific on using a door. 2011 NEC 110.26 (c) states entrance and egress at 24" w x 6'-6" high. It never mentions a door is required, just an entrance/egress. In addition, IBC does does not require accessibility to mechnical, electrcial, and similar rooms. I could no find anything in OSHA that would dis-allow the use of an access panel for entrance/egress.

 

[dpc]

Well, nothing in the room meets the requirements in the NEC for "readily accessible".

 

[buddy91082]

Good point. If we put a hinged hatchway door that could meet the intent of readily accessible.

 

[Jebb]

Without seeing the situation in person just make the 3'W X 5'H hatch into a standard door size. Seems like there's enough room with a little bit of work....