Panel clearance mistakes are some of the most preventable code violations in the trade. Most aren't caused by misunderstanding the NEC-they're caused by late-stage jobsite changes.
Other trades encroach after electrical rough-in. Storage creeps into electrical spaces. Field conditions differ from plan assumptions. Final QA doesn't include dedicated clearance verification.
Electrical equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized needs proper working space. Don't assume a panel is "good" because it looked fine at rough-in.
The zone above equipment often gets compromised by piping, ductwork, or unrelated installations. Coordinate this early with mechanical/plumbing and reinforce at every site walk.
Clearance is not a one-time setup. It must remain compliant through final inspection and occupancy turnover.
NEC 110.26 issues are avoidable when clearance is managed as a live condition, not a one-time milestone.
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