Spacing between two exposed electrical boxes side by side

The minimum side-to-side working space between two electrical boxes is the greater of 30 inches or the width of the equipment itself.NEC Side Clearance RequirementsAccording to NEC 110.26(A)(2), the width of the working space for electrical equipment must be at least 30 inches (762 mm) or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater. This ensures that a worker can stand comfortably in front of the equipment and have room for lateral movement, including opening doors or panels to a full 90 degrees . When two electrical boxes are installed side by side, this requirement applies to the space in front of each box, and the combined width of the boxes plus the working space must allow safe access. Essentially, each box should have at least 30 inches of clear space in front, and the side-to-side spacing should not be less than the width of the equipment itself .Considerations for Exposed Live PartsCondition 1: Exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side (e.g., a panel next to an insulated wall) requires a minimum depth of 3 feet (0.9 m) in front .Condition 2: Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side require greater clearance depending on voltage. For 0–150 V to ground, the depth remains 3 feet; for 151–600 V, 3 feet 6 inches; for 601–1000 V, 4 feet .Condition 3: Exposed live parts on both sides (e.g., two panels facing each other) require the most clearance. For 151–600 V, 4 feet; for 601–1000 V, 5 feet . These conditions primarily affect front clearance, but they also influence how much side-to-side spacing is practical to maintain safe access and prevent accidental contact.Practical GuidanceEnsure at least 30 inches of clear space between the sides of the boxes or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater.Maintain unobstructed access in front of the boxes for maintenance and emergency egress.Verify that panel doors can open fully without obstruction.For higher voltage systems or larger equipment, consider increasing spacing to comply with NEC working space depth requirements and to allow safe maneuvering . By following these guidelines, electricians and maintenance personnel can safely access and work on side-by-side electrical boxes while remaining compliant with NEC 110.26 standards.