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Anonymous Poster

Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 6:46 PM

I need to build an electrical enclosure around a high amperage electrical wiring junction. However, I don't know what the minimum distance between the walls of the enclosure and the energized junction should be. Is this matter dealt with in any electrical codes? Could anyone please tell me which code and which article deals with this issue?

Thanks in advance!

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#1

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:01 PM

Yes, there are electrical code standards established for different regions of the planet that specify the distance between the enclosure walls and the energized junction.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:05 PM

Thanks for the reply. Could you point out the name of the code?

OP

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#3

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:07 PM

Which code depends on the location of the installation. Presumably you are in some location; why are you not already familiar with the local requirements, which should be known before undertaking the work?

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:19 PM

Location of the installation is indoors.

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#7
In reply to #4

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:27 PM

You're so funny and clueless.

If you were working on something much less lethal than working around high current power distribution, I might give you a few clues on what we need to know to help you. I recommend that you go to your supervisor or better yet a licensed electrician and ask them to approve where to put your enclosure.

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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:31 PM

What is the NEMA designation for where he should put his enclosure? Let's see; submerged + corrosive + biomedical = what?

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#14
In reply to #7

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:55 PM

Please, read Post #11.

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#9
In reply to #4

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:41 PM

I know if your going by the Canadian Electrical code the type of enclosure you would be looking for in the case of an indoor location would be Type one but if there is any chance liquid could drip on it do to condensation you would need a type two Enclosure. To be one hundred percent sure you would have to know the conditions of the environment.

As for distance around the enclosure it would depend on your nominal voltage to ground. Table 56 in my code says:

0-750 = 1 meters

751-2500=1.2 meters

2501-9000=1.5 meters

9001- 25000= 1.9 meters

25001-46000= 2.5 meters

46001-69000=3 meters

Over 69000= 3.7 meters

I hope this helps

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#13
In reply to #9

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:53 PM

Hello,

Thanks for the reply, but I believe the numbers that you have listed are for the required clearances around the enclosures. What about the distance between the wall of the enclosure and the energized junctions inside the enclosure?

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#15
In reply to #9

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:55 PM

You've made a noble effort here The Electrical Nerd, but this guy is so clueless that you may have only enabled him to eventually kill somebody. I'm afraid that if you handed this guy the actual code book he would not be capable of looking up the appropriate information or understand what it means. I'm certain that he's not authorized to do this work because knowing which standards apply are a requirement for authorization. Remember this advice you gave the next time you find a dangerous wiring installation.

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#5

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:24 PM
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#6

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:26 PM

This is much worse than I previously thought. Code jurisdiction depends on what country, not whether indoors or outdoors. Clearances depend more on voltage than amperage. Please cease and desist at once, and get proper professional advice.

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#10
In reply to #6

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:45 PM

Clearances also become critical around high current circuits capable of arc flash hazards. Any person possibly working in front of such a circuit must have a direct unobstructed path to safety. So regardless of which circuit or chassis this yahoo is installing, there are safety issues here that must be addressed by an authorized individual.

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#11
In reply to #6

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:47 PM

Thanks for your non-help. I understand that the Codes may be different for different countries, but more or less all codes dealing with the same particular matter have similar stipulations. And I also understand that clearances are usually based on voltage. In the current application that I am dealing with, the voltage is low (150 V), however, the current is very high and I assumed that it may require certain specific considerations. Finally, my field not being electrical engineering, a certified electrical inspector will be inspecting the enclosure. As a matter of fact, the enclosure is built based on his recommendation. Now, for me to come up with the dimensions of the enclosure, I needed a starting point. Therefore, I request you that if you cannot be of any help, also don't be an impediment.

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#16
In reply to #11

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 8:03 PM

Monumental incompetence and monumental arrogance are a really bad combination.

(Why didn't you state the voltage and the as yet unknown amperage in the first place? Good fuqqing grief.) And once again, GET OFF THE PROJECT.)

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#17
In reply to #16

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 8:25 PM

Then I suggest that you follow your own advice and don't be too arrogant! As I thanked you before for your non-help, please do not respond to this thread anymore. I do not trust your advice and it may mislead others as well.

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#18
In reply to #17

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 8:40 PM

You have never as yet given a cogent answer to the issues raised in this thread. I most emphatically will disregard your dopey request to cease responding. You are just about the most dangerously incompetent individual I have yet encountered. I can only hope that the only person you kill is yourself. If I knew your location, I would attempt to alert the local authorities. My advice has been only cautionary; how this would mislead others is only your crazed fantasy. GET OUT!!

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#19
In reply to #11

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 8:40 PM

You understand that the Codes are different for different countries and still refuse to cooperate with anyone here. You are a menace to people working in hazardous environments. You should not be second guessing anyones design by comparing any country's standards to what an authorized person has proscribed you to build. I suspect that you've already built something that you believe is correct and been told to take it down. I believe this because after first gentle barbing you still refuse to identify where this installation resides. How many booby traps have you already made?

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#12

Re: Electrical Enclosure Question

02/05/2011 7:48 PM

There are new rules that involve arc flash for enclosures, making it more complicated.

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