Electrical (C-10) · Lesson 4 of 6

Working Space and Dedicated Space at Panels

"Working Space and Dedicated Space at Panels" is lesson 4 of 6 in the Electrical (C-10) Learning Hub. It opens with "Why the clear space exists" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Why the clear space exists
  2. Depth: Table 2340.16 and the CFC floor
  3. Width, headroom and doors
  4. Dedicated space and illumination
  5. Entrances, access and guarding

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 5 steps, starting with "Dedicated space".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Working Space and Dedicated Space at Panels" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Width, headroom and doors".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Dedicated space and illumination".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Entrances, access and guarding".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Panel Working Space and Dedicated SpacePLAN VIEW (4 px = 1 in)WALLpanel 14.5 inclear space30 in x 36 inwater heater24 in36 in30 in wideWORKING SPACE CHECKWidth: greater of 14.5 in or 30 in= 30 inDepth required: 36 in (CFC 603.4)Actual clear depth: 24 in FAILHeight: 78 in clear (CFC 603.4)Dedicated zone above panel: 6 ft aboveits top (72 in + 72 in = 144 in) or tothe structural ceiling (108 in): lower winsDrain line at 96 in crosses the zone:protect it or reroute (2340.16(g)(1))FAILS: only 24 in of clear depth where 36 in is requiredMove the water heater, reroute the drain, and keep storage out of the zone.Sources: 8 CCR §2340.16; 2025 CFC §603.4 (Chapter 6)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Why the clear space exists

8 CCR §2340.16(a): sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance. The detailed dimensions in §2340.16(b) apply to equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized. Under (c), working space shall not be used for storage, and when normally enclosed live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing in a passageway or general open space the space must be suitably guarded.

Step 2: Depth: Table 2340.16 and the CFC floor

§2340.16(b)(1): the depth of the working space in the direction of access to live parts shall not be less than the minimum in Table 2340.16 (600 V or less), measured from the live parts if exposed or from the enclosure front or opening if enclosed. The table is entered by Condition 1 (live parts on one side, nothing live or grounded on the other), Condition 2 (live parts on one side, grounded parts on the other; concrete, brick or tile counts as grounded) or Condition 3 (live parts on both sides with the operator between). Exception 1 allows 2.5 ft for installations built before April 16, 1981. The 2025 California Fire Code §603.4 separately requires, in front of electrical service equipment, working space not less than 30 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 78 inches high, and the width is not less than the equipment width if it is wider than 30 inches. Note: the numeric rows of Table 2340.16 are not reproduced in the text copy used for this lesson, so the worked example uses the 36 in printed in CFC §603.4.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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