Working space wrapper
Why you care (60 seconds)
Working space keeps people safe and makes equipment serviceable. Clearances are an inspection focus, and mistakes often force costly relocations.
Where people lose time
- Measuring after equipment is installed and discovering a conflict.
- Treating the space as storage or a path for other trades.
- Assuming the depth and width are always the same in every case.
This is
The rule in plain language
Provide a dedicated, unobstructed working area around electrical equipment so it can be safely operated and serviced.
When it applies
Any equipment that may require servicing, inspection, or operation while energized, including typical service and distribution gear.
What you must do (checklist)
- Determine required depth, width, and height for the equipment and voltage.
- Keep the working area clear of storage, piping, and ducts.
- Confirm doors and panels can open fully without obstruction.
- Maintain access to the equipment without needing to move hazards.
Quick examples
- A panelboard behind stacked materials fails working space even if the door opens.
- Routing a water line through the working space creates a red-tag issue.
This is not
Common misreads
- Assuming the equipment footprint defines the working space.
- Treating clear floor area as optional if the equipment is rarely accessed.
What it doesn't cover
- Outdoor clearances for utility-owned equipment.
- Structural design requirements for mounting equipment.
False friends
- A wider room does not eliminate depth requirements at the equipment face.
Exceptions & edge cases
- Some equipment types have special working space conditions.
- Multi-door equipment may have multiple working space faces.
Cross-references (NEC map)
- Primary: 110.26
Exam traps
- Forgetting that clearance depends on system conditions, not just voltage.
- Ignoring the height requirement above the working surface.
Field notes
- Mark clearances on the floor early to coordinate with other trades.
- Photograph final clearances for inspection documentation.
AHJ / Local amendments notes (placeholder)
- Add local amendments or interpretations here.
Revision notes
- Draft wrapper created for working space fundamentals.