Which statement best describes the NEC 110.26 working space requirement around electrical equipment?

• A. No minimum working space is required.
• B. A clear working space of at least 3 feet in front of equipment, with a width of at least 30 inches and a height of 6 feet 6 inches.
• C. A clear working space of at least 2 feet in front of equipment, width 24 inches, height 7 feet.
• D. A clear working space of at least 3 feet in front of equipment, with width at least 36 inches and height at least 8 feet.

Answer: (B)

Working space around electrical equipment is required by NEC 110.26 to ensure safe access for servicing and to prevent accidental contact with live parts. The minimums specify a depth of at least 3 feet in front of the equipment, a width that is at least the equipment width or 30 inches—whichever is greater—and a headroom height of 6 feet 6 inches. In practice, these dimensions give a comfortable, practical clearance for working on panels and switches. The statement that best describes this requirement is the one that specifies a clear space at least 3 feet in front, a width of at least 30 inches, and a height of 6 feet 6 inches. The other options either show too little depth or width, or use heights that do not match the standard minimums, so they don’t accurately reflect the NEC requirement.