Subchapter 5. Electrical Safety Orders
Group 2. High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders
Article 35. Workspace and Guarding (Formerly Article 84)

§2932. Workspace.

(a) The minimum depth of clear working space about electrical equipment, such as switchgear, motor controllers, etc., shall not be less than set forth in the following table unless otherwise specified in these orders. Clearances shall be measured from the energized parts if parts are exposed or from the enclosure front if parts are enclosed.

 
                          CONDITIONS 
Voltage to Ground    1                    2                  3 
601-2500          3 feet               4 feet             5 feet 
2501-7500         4 feet               5 feet             6 feet 
7501-25,000       5 feet               6 feet             9 feet 
25,001-75kv       6 feet               8 feet            10 feet 
Above 75kv        8 feet               10 feet           12 feet 
 

Where the conditions are as follows:

(1) Exposed energized parts on one side and nonconducting surfaces on the opposite side of the workspace. Non-shielded insulated conductors shall be considered as exposed energized parts.

(2) Exposed energized parts on one side and grounded surfaces on the opposite side. Concrete, brick, plaster, or tile walls will be considered as grounded surfaces.

(3) Exposed energized parts on both sides of the workspace.

EXCEPTION: Workspace will not be required behind enclosed equipment, provided there are no renewable or adjustable parts; such as fuses, switches, etc., on the back, and provided all connections are accessible from other locations. If work is to be performed on de-energized parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum workspace of 30 inches is required.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 110-34(a).)

(b) Suitable space shall be provided and maintained about electrical equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Where energized parts are exposed, the minimum clear workspace shall not be less than 6 1/2 feet high (measured vertically from the floor or platform), nor less than 3 feet wide (measured parallel to the equipment). In all cases, the workspace shall be adequate to permit at least a 90-degree opening of doors or hinged panels.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 110-32.)

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. Editorial correction filed 11-2-83 (Register 83, No. 45).

2. Amendment filed 12-10-87; operative 1-9-88 (Register 88, No. 1).