Okay, let's break down that statement from likely the National Electrical Code (NEC) or a similar standard and consider what would and wouldn't fall under it.

Key Components of the Statement "Working space": This implies an area designated for personnel to safely perform tasks. It's not just the physical footprint of the equipment. It needs to allow movement, access, and tool usage. "Equipment, operating at 1000 V nominal or less to ground": This defines the voltage range. Anything above 1000V nominal to ground is outside this scope. "Nominal" means the usual, expected voltage, not necessarily the maximum voltage under transient conditions. "Likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized": This is a crucial condition. It means that the equipment is of a type where live work is expected or reasonably foreseeable. If the equipment never requires live work (and procedures are in place to ensure it never does), it might not fall under this working space requirement.

Examples of Equipment That WOULD Likely Fit This Category Panelboards (Electrical Distribution Panels)

Especially those in commercial or industrial settings. Troubleshooting, breaker replacement, voltage testing, and circuit tracing are often performed live, though ideally not all these tasks are.

Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

Similar to panelboards, these often contain starters, overload relays, and other components that may require troubleshooting or adjustments while energized.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Cabinets

Depending on the industry, PLCs and associated I/O modules might require live adjustments or diagnostics. However, note that PLCs can often be shut down, so it depends on the application

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Troubleshooting, parameter adjustments, and sometimes power supply checks are often performed live.

Industrial Control Panels

Enclosures housing relays, timers, power supplies, and other control components. These often require troubleshooting and adjustment while energized.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Batteries need to be tested, components might fail, and maintenance bypasses are sometimes used, all potentially requiring live work.

Certain Lighting Control Systems

Systems that require live adjustment or testing. This is less common now with safer systems.

Examples of Equipment That WOULDN'T Likely Fit This Category (or Might Require Special Justification) Residential Electrical Panels

While troubleshooting might occur live, routine maintenance rarely does. Also, residential panels usually allow for easy isolation.

Simple Disconnect Switches

If the only operation is opening and closing the switch, and no live maintenance is expected, it might not require the same working space as a panelboard. However, if the disconnect contains fuses that might need replacement while energized, it's a different story.

Sealed, "Tamper-Proof" Equipment

Equipment designed such that internal components are not meant to be accessed while energized. However, this depends on whether that seal is ever broken for maintenance.

Equipment That Is Always De-energized Before Servicing

If a strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program is always followed, and there's no legitimate reason to work on the equipment live, it might not fall under this category. This requires diligent enforcement and documentation. Think of a robotic welding cell where the power is always off for maintenance.

Components Inside Equipment That Are Not Intended for Field Servicing

For example, a power supply inside a computer. While the computer might require working space, the internal power supply is usually replaced, not serviced live.

Important Considerations1. The Specific Application and Industry

What's common practice in one industry might be unheard of in another. Consider the specific context.2.

The Employer's Electrical Safety Program

A robust electrical safety program, including LOTO procedures, can significantly reduce the need for live work. The existence of such a program and its consistent enforcement are crucial.3.

Risk Assessment

A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to determine the likelihood of live work and the potential hazards involved. This assessment should drive the working space requirements.4.

Local Codes and Regulations

Always refer to your local electrical codes and any applicable industry-specific regulations. They might have more specific requirements.5.

AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)

When in doubt, consult with your local electrical inspector or AHJ. They have the final say.

In Summary

The key to interpreting this statement is to focus on the likelihood of live work. If live work is reasonably foreseeable for examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance, then the equipment does fall under this category and requires adequate working space as defined by the relevant electrical codes. If live work is never* expected or allowed, and this is enforced by procedures, it might not. Flag for review