Let's break down the working space requirements around electrical equipment operating at 120V/208V, focusing on NEC section 110.26 and egress.

Understanding the Key Requirements 110.26(A): Working Space

This section primarily addresses the depth of the working space in front of the electrical equipment. It also addresses the width and height.

110.26(A)(1): Depth of Working Space

This is where the 36" (900mm) comes into play. The depth depends on the voltage to ground and the condition(s) of exposed live parts on the opposite side of the working space. Since you have only the 120v/208v you are most likely dealing with an installation operating 120V to ground. If that is the case, and the condition is condition 1 then the depth is 36".

110.26(A)(2): Width of Working Space

The width of the working space must be the width of the equipment OR 30" (762 mm), whichever is greater. This is very important. You can't just have a tiny sliver of space; it has to be at least the width of the equipment.

110.26(A)(3): Height of Working Space

The height of the working space must be at least 6.5 ft (1.98 m) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater.

110.26(C): Entrance to and Egress from Working Space

This is where the door swing and egress considerations come into play.

Specific Answers to Your Questions1. 36" Clearance

Yes, if you have a voltage of 120V to ground, and the conditions on the other side of the working space is considered condition 1 then the 36" depth requirement is likely correct. Be sure to reference the NEC to confirm.2.

Door Swing and 24" Egress

This is where it gets a little nuanced:

Not always directly required by 110.26(A) depth

The depth requirements of 110.26(A)(1) don't explicitly add a door swing + 24". The minimum depth is driven by the voltage to ground and conditions.

110.26(C) DOES require clear access and egress

110.26(C) states that you must have at least one entrance of sufficient area to give access to and egress from the working space. If the equipment is large, this could mean the entrance is larger than 24". It does not mean that all equipment less than 36" deep automatically meets the egress requirements.

Door swing obstructions

If a door swings into the working space and obstructs the minimum working space dimensions (depth or width) when fully open, it's a violation. The NEC does not state you need to add the door swing to the equipment depth. It does say that the door cannot obstruct the working space when the door is open.

Think practically

The intent of 110.26(C) is that a qualified person working on the equipment must be able to safely enter, work, and exit the area. This means if a door swing completely blocks the 36" depth or makes it difficult to exit quickly in an emergency, it's a problem.

Example Scenarios Good

A 20" deep panelboard is mounted on a wall. There is 36" of clear space in front of it. The door to the room swings away from the panelboard, and there is at least 24" of clear egress around the door swing. This likely meets code.

Problem

A 20" deep panelboard is mounted in a narrow hallway. There is 36" of clear space in front of it until the door to an adjacent room is opened. The door swings into the working space, reducing the effective working depth to only 10". This likely violates 110.26(C).

Problem

A 30" wide panelboard is mounted in a small closet. There is 36" of depth, but the closet opening is only 20" wide. This violates 110.26(A)(2) because the width of the working space must be at least 30". It also may be a problem for egress.

Key Takeaways Focus on clear working space and clear egress. 110.26(A) defines the minimum working space dimensions. 110.26(C) ensures you can actually get to and from that working space safely. Consider the entire situation. Don't just look at the 36" depth in isolation. Look at the width, height, door swing, and surrounding obstructions. Common sense matters. If it's physically difficult or unsafe to work on the equipment because of the door swing or narrow access, it's likely a violation, even if you technically meet the 36" depth. Local Amendments

Always check with your local electrical inspector or building department. They may have local amendments to the NEC that are stricter or more specific regarding working space and egress.

In summary, while the NEC does not explicitly state you must add door swing + 24" to the equipment depth for working space, you must ensure that the door swing does not obstruct the minimum working space and that there is sufficient clear egress from the working space, in accordance with 110.26(C). Flag for review