Electrical equipment floor space: Selected NEC Code requirements and new options for the electrical system designer

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Overview:
Adequate space is a concern for electrical installations for several reasons including worker safety, working room and adequate clearances for personnel working on energized equipment to escape should a problem occur.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses the minimum requirements to meet these needs.

On the other hand, building owners are looking for ways to minimize the size of electrical equipment in order to accommodate more building space for productive uses, thus minimizing costs. In addition, the smaller the equipment, the easier it is to move it into the required location. Factory installation and connection of components can lead to smaller overall lineups, typically resulting in reduced installation costs.

This paper will review some of the NEC requirements regarding required electrical space. It will discuss new product concepts serving to reduce equipment size, resulting in reduced space requirements, reduced installation time, and reduced installation costs.