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Electrical panel working space: how much clearance do you need? (110.26)
Lesson 1 of the full program starts with 110.26, because it shows up on nearly every exam and every inspection. Here are the numbers you need to know cold.
The breakdown, in plain English
- Depth (the space in front): it depends on the voltage to ground and what's across from the equipment. For 150 volts to ground or less, it's 3 feet no matter what.
- From 151 to 600 volts to ground, depth is 3 feet, 3½ feet or 4 feet depending on the condition (what's on the other side: nothing grounded, a grounded wall, or more live parts).
- Width: at least 30 inches, or the width of the equipment if it's wider. The equipment doesn't have to be centered in it.
- Height: at least 6½ feet, or the height of the equipment if it's taller.
- The door of the equipment has to be able to open at least 90 degrees.
- Keep the dedicated space above and below the panel clear of pipes and ducts that don't belong to the electrical system.
Codes to look up
The depth of working space depends on voltage to ground and the condition across from the equipment (see the table).
Working space width is at least 30 inches or the equipment width, whichever is more.
Working space height is at least 6½ feet or the equipment height, whichever is more.
The footprint of the equipment, up to 6 feet above it, is dedicated to electrical installations only.
These are plain-English summaries, not the code's exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC edition your area has adopted, plus local amendments.
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