[RE-wrenches] Energy Storage and Working Spaces for Other Equipment

[Blake Gleason]

Jason -

Yes, it's definitely a violation of 110.26 to have batteries/enclosures
below things like panelboards if the batteries stick out more than 6" past
the face of the panelboards (etc).  Specifically, it would be a violation
of 110.26(A), which is distinct from 110.26(E) (the section that addresses
"other systems" such as ducts, etc).  110.26(A) is all about providing a
safe "working space" for an electrician to maintain the panelboard,
disconnect, etc without having to reach over or around other equipment (of
any kind), which would put the electrician in a compromised position when
maintaining potentially energized equipment.
Additionally, the 6" allowance granted by 110.26(A)(3) is only valid if the
batteries are "associated" with the electrical installation (which they
would be, if the panelboards and other equipment whose working space is
being infringed upon are related to the batteries).

When we are pressed for space, we have built out the wall above the
batteries so that the face of the panelboards, etc are within 6" of the
outside face of the battery enclosure(s).  One example is attached here
(with three Powerwalls stacked).

Best,
Blake

On Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 12:28 PM Jason Szumlanski <
jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:

> I'm seeing a lot of pictures of LiPO battery systems and people are
> mounting equipment above them like load centers, inverters with
> disconnects, and other serviceable enclosures. Some of these battery
> systems are 24 inches deep or more. This seems to violate NEC 110.26
> requirements for the other serviceable equipment, but the pictures are
> proudly displayed as models of success. Even slender Tesla Powerwalls stick
> out significantly when stacked 2 or 3 deep and would be more than 6 inches
> deeper than a standard load center. Sure, the battery cabinets make great
> places to rest tools while working, but does anyone else see this as
> problematic?
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Florida Solar Design Group
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-- 

Blake Gleason, PE | Employee Owner
Director of Innovation and Technical Excellence
O: 510-845-2997 x128
C: 510-867-5878

1035 Folger Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94710
www.sunlightandpower.com
License #326203

<https://bcorporation.net/>     <https://www.amicussolar.com/>
<https://calssa.org/>
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