UFC 3 -520-01
June 10, 2002
CHAPTER 8
POWER DISTRIBUTION AND UTILIZATION --OTHER DESIGN CRITERIA
8-1
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CLEARANCES AND GUARDS.
8-1.1
Background .
8-1.1.1 Adequate equipment clearances must be maintained to allow safe access to
and around equipment. The clearances are also intended to minimize the possibility of
unsafe conditions while personnel work with and around electrical equipment.
Adequate clearance is so important that several industry documents provide similar
guidance, including the NEC, NFPA 70E, NESC, and OSHA.
8-1.1.2 Figure 8-1 illustrates how equipment layouts must be carefully considered.
Not only must personnel have adequate work cle arances, but safe escape routes must
be established. Note in Figure 8 -1 that even in cases in which there is only a single
door to an equipment room a safer layout can be achieved. In some equipment rooms,
it might be necessary to provide two doors to ensure safe egress from the room.
Figure 8-1. Equipment Positioning to Allow Escape Around Equipment
Fire Can Trap
Electrician Here
Work Area
Front
Front
Switchboard or
Switchboard or
Control Panel
Control Panel
Two Exits
Only One
Around
Exit Around
Work Area
Work Area
Acceptable Design
Potentially Dangerous Design
8-1.2
Equipment Rated 600 Volts and Lower.
8-1.2.1 Basic Requirement. Design and install power distribution and utilization
equipment to provide adequate clearance for safe operation and maintenance of the
equipment.
8-1.2.2 Access and Entrance to Working Space. Provide at least one entrance to
give access to the working space about electric equipment.
8-1
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