Working space in front of electrical panels

What the code requires

Depth comes from Table 110.26(A)(1) and is measured from the front of the enclosure when live parts are enclosed. At 0–150 V to ground, the minimum is 3 ft for Conditions 1, 2 and 3. At 151–600 V it is 3 ft, 3½ ft or 4 ft, and at 601–1000 V it is 3 ft, 4 ft or 5 ft, for Conditions 1, 2 and 3.

Condition 1 means there are no live or grounded parts across the working space from the live parts. Condition 2 means grounded parts are across the space, and concrete, brick and tile walls count as grounded. Condition 3 means live parts are on both sides of the working space.

The space must be at least 30 in. wide or as wide as the equipment, whichever is greater, and equipment doors must be able to open at least 90°. It must be clear to a height of 6½ ft or the equipment height, whichever is greater. New in 2023, 110.26(A)(6) requires the floor or grade in the working space to be kept clear and as level and flat as practical across the required depth and width.

Also in 2023, the rule that open equipment doors must not block access or egress applies to all equipment. Access counts as blocked if open doors leave a path less than 24 in. wide by 6½ ft high.

On the job

• The working space cannot be used for storage (110.26(B)), so shelving or stored items in front of a panel are a violation.
• On commercial switchgear rows, the swing of open equipment doors plus the 24 in. clear path can now set the aisle width.

Exceptions that matter

• In existing dwelling units, a service disconnect or panelboard rated 200 A or less has an exception to the 6½ ft height requirement.
• Your inspector may grant special permission for smaller working spaces where exposed live parts operate at no more than 30 V rms, 42 V peak or 60 V dc.

What changed in 2023

In 2023 the open-door access and egress rule moved into the main text so it applies to all equipment, and the new 110.26(A)(6) requires a clear, reasonably level floor or grade in the working space.

Related sections

• NEC 110.26(C)(3): Exit doors and panic hardware for large electrical rooms
• NEC 110.26(E): Dedicated space above and around electrical panels
• NEC 110.27
• NEC 110.34
• NEC 240.24: Where breakers and fuses may be located

Where this comes from

• NFPA: NFPA 70 2026-cycle First Draft, CMP-1 (Table 110.26(A)(1) baseline)
• EC&M: NEC Requirements for Working Clearances (Mike Holt, Feb 9 2023)
• California HCAI: 2025 Title 24 Code Cycle Update, Part 3 (CEC) handout (Oct 14 2025)
• nVent: Clearance and Egress Changes in the 2023 NEC
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA