110.27 Guarding of Live Parts

Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this Code, live parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 to 1000 volts, nominal shall be guarded against accidental contact by approved enclosures or by any of the following means:

1. By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to qualified persons.
2. By permanent, substantial partitions or screens arranged so that only qualified persons have access to the space within reach of the live parts. Any openings in such partitions or screens shall be sized and located so that persons are not likely to come into accidental contact with the live parts or to bring conducting objects into contact with them.
3. By location on a balcony, gallery, or platform elevated and arranged so as to exclude unqualified persons.
4. By elevation above the floor or other working surface as follows:
   1. A minimum of 2.5 m (8 ft) for 50 volts to 300 volts between ungrounded conductors
   2. A minimum of 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in.) for 301 volts to 600 volts between ungrounded conductors
   3. A minimum of 2.62 m (8 ft 7 in.) for 601 volts to 1000 volts between ungrounded conductors

In locations where electrical equipment is likely to be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage.

Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations that contain exposed live parts shall be marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter. The marking shall meet the requirements in 110.21(B).

Informational Note: For motors, see 430.232 and 430.233. For over 1000 volts, see 110.34.