Q&A: Is distance satisfactory to protect electrical disconnects?

Is distance satisfactory to protect power distribution boxes (breaker boxes, disconnects ranging from anywhere from 50 volts to 440 volts) from damage in active warehouses with stacked material, fork truck traffic, and pedestrian traffic; or does there need to be a protective barrier? If distance is sufficient, what is the distance requirement?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical safety regulations for general industry workplaces require sufficient space to be maintained around electrical equipment and installations, as well as guarding of live parts.

29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.303(g)(1)(vii) states that “switchboards, panelboards, and distribution boards installed for the control of light and power circuits, and motor control centers must be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage.” For indoor electrical installations, the dedicated space must be of equal depth and width to that of the equipment itself and extend from the floor to a height of 1.83 meters (6 feet) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower.

If the equipment is not isolated from other equipment and materials by height, physical enclosures, or covers that will provide protection from vehicular traffic or accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, then other equipment not associated with the electrical installation (e.g., piping, ducts) may not be located in the dedicated space.

Live electrical equipment parts operating at 50 volts or more must also be guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or enclosures in accordance with 1910.303(g)(2). In areas where the electrical equipment is likely to be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards must be strong enough to prevent such damage.

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