NEC 110.26(A)(2)
What it means on the job
Working-space width must be at least 762 mm (30 in.) OR the full width of the equipment, whichever is greater. A 1200A switchboard section is wider than 30 in., so 30 in. of clear width does not span the equipment and is insufficient. (There is no amperage-based 36-in. width rule — 36 in. is the Condition-1 working-space depth.)
Tested in 1 CraftIQ puzzle
- whats-wrongCommercial Switchgear Installation
Related NEC sections
NEC 110.26(A)
NEC 110.26(A) requires a minimum of 36 inches of clear working space in front of electrical equipment, 30 inches wide (or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater), and from the floor to a height of 6.5 feet or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. 18 inches is a serious violation. The space must be kept clear at all times for safe access during emergencies.
NEC 110.26(A)(1)
NEC requires a minimum of 36 inches of clear working space in front of electrical panels for safe access and operation.
NEC 110.26(A)(1) / 110.26(A)(3)
This installation fails on multiple counts. NEC 110.26(A)(1) requires a minimum depth of 36 inches of clear working space measured from the exposed live parts or the front of the enclosure. With only 28 inches between the panel and the water heater, this is 8 inches short of the 36-inch minimum. Even the 30-inch width measurement is at the bare minimum per NEC 110.26(A)(2). Additionally, NEC 110.26(A)(3) requires the working space to extend from the floor to a height of 6 feet 6 inches or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. IBEW training emphasizes that working clearance violations are the most commonly cited NEC violation on inspections — an electrician needs room to safely operate breakers and escape in an emergency.
NEC 110.26(D)
Working space around service equipment rated 600V or less requires illumination. An electrician must be able to see clearly when operating breakers or performing maintenance.
NEC 110.27 / NFPA 70E
Battery cabinets must remain closed to prevent accidental contact with live DC bus bars and to contain any thermal event. Open cabinets also violate NEC 110.27 regarding guarding of live parts and create arc flash hazards.
NEC 210.11(C)(3)
NEC 210.11(C)(3) requires at least one 20A branch circuit to supply bathroom receptacle outlets. This circuit is permitted to supply receptacles in multiple bathrooms. The key restriction is that no other outlets (lights, exhaust fans, etc.) from other rooms can be on this circuit — it must serve only bathroom receptacles. GFCI protection is separately required by NEC 210.8(A)(1).
CraftIQ explanations are original educational commentary written in trade language and verified against the cited standards. Always confirm requirements against the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction — this is training material, not a substitute for the code book or your AHJ.