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The terms accessible and readily accessible are used in electrical codes to describe the ease with which equipment can be reached for operation, renewal, or inspection. Accessible means that equipment is not blocked or guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other obstacles, while readily accessible indicates that equipment can be quickly accessed without the need for tools (other than keys) or climbing over obstacles. These definitions are important for ensuring safe and efficient electrical maintenance and emergency responses, allowing for routine checks and interventions. The National Electrical Code (NEC) highlights these requirements in various sections, such as those pertaining to overcurrent devices, service disconnecting means, and electrical equipment enclosures. Understanding these terms is crucial for electrical professionals to comply with safety standards and facilitate timely access to critical electrical components.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, chairs, etc. |
| Application | As per Article 100, accessible means that it cannot be "guarded by locked doors". Readily accessible does not contain that statement, so locked doors are OK. |
| Exceptions | Overcurrent devices in accordance with 225.40, supplementary devices, overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment, and more. |
| Examples | A circuit breaker or a set of fuses can be located inside of an enclosure with a bolted cover where the handle of the breaker or the handle of the fusible switch is readily accessible. |
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What You'll Learn
'Accessible' as applied to equipment
The term "accessible" in the electrical code, specifically as applied to equipment, has a specific meaning that is crucial for safe and efficient electrical maintenance. Here are four to six paragraphs elaborating on this:
Definition of Accessible as Applied to Equipment
"Accessible" as applied to equipment in the electrical code refers to the ability to easily reach and interact with the equipment for operation, renewal, and inspection purposes. This means that the equipment should not be guarded or obstructed by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means that could hinder access. This definition ensures that critical components, such as switches, circuit breakers, and busway installations, are readily available for routine checks and emergency interventions, thus safeguarding both the equipment and the personnel operating it.
Examples of Accessible Equipment
An example of accessible equipment is a room air conditioner installed in a location that is easily reachable for operation, renewal, or inspection. Ballasts, transformers, electronic power supplies, and Class 2 power sources are also required to be located where they are accessible and securely fastened in place. Additionally, certain overcurrent devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses, can be located inside enclosures with bolted covers, as long as the handles are readily accessible.
Comparison with Readily Accessible
It is important to distinguish between "accessible" and "readily accessible" in the electrical code. While "accessible" focuses on the ability to reach the equipment, "readily accessible" emphasizes the speed and ease of access. "Readily accessible" typically implies quick access without the need for tools (other than keys), climbing over obstacles, or using portable ladders. This distinction is crucial for emergency responses, allowing authorized personnel to quickly address electrical issues while maintaining security with locked electrical panels.
NEC References
The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides specific references to accessible and readily accessible requirements. For example, in the 2020 and 2023 NEC, "accessible" as applied to equipment is defined in Article 100, emphasizing the ability to reach the equipment for operation, renewal, and inspection. The NEC also highlights the importance of ready access for service disconnecting means in sections like 230.70(A)(1) and 235.352(A), allowing for mechanical linkages or remote-control devices in certain industrial settings.
Exceptions and Variations
It is worth noting that there are exceptions and variations to the accessible and readily accessible requirements in the electrical code. For instance, in certain cases, locked doors or enclosures are permitted as long as authorized individuals have access to the necessary keys or lock combinations. Additionally, there may be specific exceptions for overcurrent devices, supplementary devices, and installations not under the exclusive control of electric utilities. These exceptions and variations are important to consider when interpreting and applying the accessible and readily accessible requirements in the electrical code.
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'Accessible' as applied to wiring methods
The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines "accessible" as applied to wiring methods in Article 100 as "capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in or blocked by the structure, other electrical equipment, other building systems, or finish of the building".
This definition means that wiring methods, such as junction boxes, must be able to be accessed without causing damage to the building or its systems. This includes ensuring that the wiring is not blocked by other electrical equipment or building elements, such as HVAC systems, plumbing, or electrical conduits.
The NEC requires that boxes, conduit bodies, and handhole enclosures are installed so that the wiring and devices within them can be accessed. This is to ensure that the wiring can be reached for troubleshooting, maintenance, or repair work.
It is important to note that the definition of "accessible" as applied to wiring methods does not include the phrase "guarded by locked doors", which is present in the definition of "accessible" as applied to equipment. This means that wiring methods can be located behind locked doors, as long as they can still be accessed without causing damage to the building or its systems.
There are some exceptions to the requirement for wiring methods to be accessible. For example, the NEC states that wiring methods that do not require access, such as NM wiring buried inside a wall, may not need to be installed in an accessible manner.
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'Readily accessible' as applied to equipment
The term “readily accessible” is used in the electrical code to describe the location of circuit breakers, for example, allowing quick access to turn off the circuit in an emergency, when something malfunctions, or when working on the circuit or electrical equipment. The definition of “readily accessible” was changed in the 2014 NEC to highlight this distinction.
"Readily accessible" as applied to equipment means that the equipment is capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspection. This definition does not require those who need ready access to use tools (other than keys), climb over or remove obstacles, or resort to portable ladders. For example, a room air conditioner should be installed in a location that is readily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
It is important to note that "readily accessible" does not mean that the equipment is completely unrestricted. Locked doors are permitted as long as those who need access have a key or know the lock combination. This balance between security and accessibility ensures that electrical hazards are secure from unauthorized access while remaining accessible to qualified persons.
There are exceptions to the "readily accessible" requirement. For instance, supplementary devices can be located behind bolted enclosure doors, in boxes, or inside other bolted electrical equipment. Additionally, certain overcurrent devices are exempt from the "readily accessible" requirement, as outlined in the electrical code.
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N/A
The term "accessible" in the electrical code refers to the location of electrical equipment and the ease of reaching it for operation, renewal, or inspection. According to Article 100, accessible equipment is that which is not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means, and can be approached closely. This definition ensures that critical components like switches, circuit breakers, and busway installations are easily accessible for routine checks and emergency interventions, thus safeguarding both the equipment and personnel.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) differentiates between "accessible" and "readily accessible." While "accessible" implies that the equipment can be reached without the use of tools, climbing, or removing obstacles, "readily accessible" further emphasizes the ability to access something quickly and efficiently. This distinction is crucial for emergency responses, as it ensures that essential components can be reached and addressed promptly.
The NEC also provides specific guidelines for "readily accessible." For example, in the 2014 NEC, "readily accessible" is used in the context of allowing an exception for the installation of conductors and equipment to connect to the electric utility supply system. It specifies that these conductors should be readily accessible without the need for portable ladders or similar methods to gain access. Another example is in 240.24(A), where the NEC states that overcurrent devices must be readily accessible and installed in a way that allows easy access to the center of the grip of the operating means.
It's important to note that the definition of "readily accessible" does not preclude the use of locks on electrical panels or enclosures. However, it requires that those who need access are provided with a key or lock combination. This ensures that electrical hazards are secure from unauthorized access while remaining accessible to authorized personnel.
In conclusion, the term "accessible" in the electrical code refers to the ease of reaching electrical equipment for various purposes, such as operation, renewal, or inspection. The NEC further distinguishes between "accessible" and "readily accessible," emphasizing the urgency and efficiency of access in emergency situations. Understanding these definitions is crucial for ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards and facilitating effective maintenance and emergency responses.
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'Readily accessible' and the use of locks
The definition of "readily accessible" in the electrical code does not preclude the use of locks on electrical panels. According to 29 CFR 1910.399, "readily accessible" means "capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, chairs, etc." This definition allows for the use of a lock on the disconnecting means (circuit breakers panel), provided that those who need access are provided with a key or lock combination.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) 2005, Article 110.26, states that "enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by a lock(s) shall be considered accessible to qualified persons." However, it is important to note that the use of multiple locks requiring different keys or combinations may make it inaccessible to authorised individuals.
The term "readily accessible" is used in the NEC to describe the location of circuit breakers, allowing quick access in emergencies, malfunctions, or when working on circuits or electrical equipment. It is worth noting that the definition of "readily accessible" was changed in the 2014 NEC, highlighting the importance of staying up-to-date with code changes.
While "readily accessible" allows for locks, there are exceptions and nuances. For instance, "accessible" is defined as "not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means," indicating that locks are not permitted in such cases. Additionally, there are exceptions to the "readily accessible" requirement for certain overcurrent devices, as outlined in the electrical code.
In conclusion, while "readily accessible" generally permits the use of locks as long as access is provided to those who need it, it is crucial to refer to the specific electrical code and its exceptions for a comprehensive understanding of its application.
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