The National Electrical Code requires physical protection for electrical equipment subject to vehicular damage under Articles 110.26 and 110.27. Bollards provide compliant protection when properly installed according to working clearance requirements and Authority Having Jurisdiction specifications.
What You’ll Learn
- Specific NEC articles requiring bollard protection for electrical equipment
- Working clearance and installation requirements by voltage level and equipment type
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) interpretation variations and compliance standards
- Installation specifications for height, spacing, and foundation requirements
- Common code violations and inspection requirements for bollard installations
NEC Bollard Protection Requirements by Equipment Type
| Equipment Type | NEC Article | Voltage Level | Protection Required | Working Clearance | Bollard Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pad-Mounted Transformers | 110.26(A), 110.27(B) | 600V and below | Physical barrier required | 3 feet minimum | 3-6 feet from equipment |
| High-Voltage Equipment | 110.26(A), 110.27(B) | Over 600V | Physical barrier required | 4-8 feet depending on voltage | Per utility specifications |
| Switchgear Enclosures | 110.26(A), 110.27(B) | All levels | Protection if subject to damage | 3-10 feet by voltage | Clear working space maintained |
| Electric Vehicle Charging | 110.27(B), 625.22 | 240V/480V typical | Protection in traffic areas | 3 feet minimum | Per manufacturer specs |
| Utility Meters | 110.27(B) | 120/240V typical | Protection if exposed | 3 feet minimum | Per utility requirements |
| Outdoor Panelboards | 110.26(A), 110.27(B) | All levels | Protection if accessible | 3 feet minimum front | Maintain access clearance |
| Service Equipment | 110.26(A), 230.70 | All levels | Protection from damage | 3 feet minimum | Per service location rules |
| Generator Equipment | 110.26(A), 445.10 | All levels | Barrier if in traffic area | 3 feet minimum | Ventilation clearance required |
Primary NEC Articles Governing Bollard Requirements
The National Electrical Code addresses electrical equipment protection through several interconnected articles that establish mandatory requirements for physical barriers.
Article 110.26 – Working Space Requirements
Article 110.26 establishes minimum working clearances around electrical equipment, which directly impacts bollard placement and design. These clearances ensure safe operation and maintenance access while preventing bollard interference with the required workspace.
Working Space Dimensions (110.26(A)):
| Equipment Voltage | Condition 1 | Condition 2 | Condition 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-150V to ground | 3 feet | 3.5 feet | 4 feet |
| 151-600V | 3 feet | 3.5 feet | 4 feet |
| 601V-1000V | 3 feet | 4 feet | 5 feet |
Condition Definitions:
- Condition 1: Exposed live parts on one side, grounded surfaces on the other (typical wall-mounted equipment)
- Condition 2: Exposed live parts on both sides of working space (common in switchgear lineups)
- Condition 3: Exposed live parts on one side, grounded surfaces on both sides (highest risk configuration)
Article 110.27 – Guarding Requirements
Article 110.27(B) specifically addresses outdoor installations and physical damage protection requirements. The code recognizes that outdoor electrical equipment faces unique risks from vehicular traffic, weather exposure, and unauthorized access.
Equipment subject to physical damage must be protected by approved barriers substantial enough to prevent equipment damage. Protection becomes mandatory where equipment is accessible to vehicular traffic, with Authority Having Jurisdiction determining what constitutes “subject to physical damage” based on site-specific conditions, including traffic patterns, equipment location, and risk assessment factors. Critical to compliance, barriers must maintain required working clearances per 110.26 while providing effective protection.
Equipment-Specific Protection Requirements
Different types of electrical equipment have unique protection requirements based on voltage levels, installation environments, and operational characteristics.
Pad-Mounted Transformer Protection
Pad-mounted transformers represent the most common application for NEC-compliant bollard protection systems. These installations require a careful balance between accessibility for maintenance and protection from vehicular damage.
Most utility companies require working clearances of at least 3 feet at the front (operational side) and 1 foot at rear and sides where not accessible. These standards are typically established by the utility and may exceed NEC minimums for user-owned equipment. Protection becomes mandatory where transformers are subject to vehicular damage, with barriers designed to avoid interference with equipment operation or maintenance procedures.
Most utilities impose additional requirements beyond NEC minimums, creating 6-10 foot exclusion zones around transformer equipment with specific bollard height and spacing requirements. Utility-approved bollard designs and materials specifications ensure compatibility with maintenance procedures, while installation inspection and approval processes verify compliance with both NEC and utility standards.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Protection
EV charging equipment requires protection under multiple NEC articles due to high exposure in parking areas and public accessibility requirements.
| Protection Aspect | NEC Requirement | Installation Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Damage | Article 625.30(A) protection required | Bollards prevent vehicle impact |
| Working Clearance | Article 110.26 applies | 3 feet minimum operational space |
| GFCI Protection | Required for outdoor installations | Circuit protection coordination |
| Accessibility | Public installation compliance | ADA clearance requirements |
Common installation scenarios include curbside installations requiring bollards preventing vehicle impact, parking lot locations needing protection from errant vehicles, drive-through facilities requiring enhanced protection systems, and fleet charging installations needing commercial-grade protection suitable for heavy vehicle traffic.
High-Voltage Equipment Considerations
Equipment operating above 600 volts requires enhanced protection measures and greater working clearances based on increased electrical hazards and utility coordination requirements.
Enhanced requirements include increased working clearances based on voltage level, utility coordination required for protection design, additional safety considerations for arc flash protection, and specialized barrier requirements for substation applications. These installations often involve custom engineering to balance electrical safety requirements with operational accessibility needs.
Bollard Installation Standards for NEC Compliance
Proper bollard installation requires balancing equipment protection with regulatory compliance. Following established standards ensures both NEC adherence and effective perimeter security while maintaining required working clearances for electrical equipment operation and maintenance.
Installation Requirements by Component
| Component | Requirement | NEC Reference | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 36 inches minimum above grade | 110.27(B) | Prevents vehicle underride |
| Spacing | Close enough to prevent vehicle intrusion (typically 3–6 feet) | 110.27(B) | Blocks compact vehicle access |
| Working Clearance | Equipment-specific distances | 110.26(A) | Maintains safe access zones |
| Foundation Depth | Per manufacturer specifications | Local building codes | Ensures structural integrity |
| Visibility Markings | High visibility colors recommended | OSHA 1910.144 | Traffic area safety compliance |
| Material Strength | Engineered for impact loads | ASTM F2656/F3016 | Provides adequate protection |
Common NEC Compliance Violations
Understanding frequent installation errors helps ensure proper compliance and avoid costly corrections during inspection.
Working Clearance Violations
- Insufficient clearance distance occurs when bollards encroach on required working spaces per NEC 110.26, creating safety hazards during equipment operation and maintenance
- Blocked access routes prevent emergency response and routine maintenance, violating operational access requirements and creating liability issues
Inadequate Protection Coverage
- Excessive spacing between bollards allows vehicle penetration through protection zones, failing to meet NEC 110.27(B) substantial protection requirements
- Insufficient height below 36 inches enables vehicle underride, compromising the effectiveness of the protection system
Installation Quality Issues
- Inadequate foundation construction compromises bollard stability and may violate local building codes, potentially resulting in system failure during impact
- Poor visibility in traffic areas without proper markings creates safety hazards and may violate OSHA workplace safety standards
Documentation and Compliance Verification
Comprehensive documentation ensures regulatory compliance and facilitates smooth inspection approval processes.
Required Documentation
- Installation drawings including site plans with equipment locations, clearance dimension verification, elevation views, and foundation construction details
- Material specifications covering bollard construction materials, foundation concrete requirements, corrosion-resistant coatings, and anchoring system details
Inspection Process
- Pre-installation verification includes utility location clearance, foundation excavation confirmation, concrete placement quality control, and proper curing protocols
- Final compliance inspection covers working clearance measurements, height and spacing verification, equipment accessibility confirmation, and overall installation quality review
Understanding NEC bollard requirements ensures electrical equipment protection while maintaining code compliance. Proper application of Articles 110.26 and 110.27 requirements, combined with AHJ-specific modifications, creates effective protection systems that meet both safety and operational needs.
Sources
- National Fire Protection Association. “Work Spaces Around Electrical Equipment: Important Updates to Section 110.26 Improve Electrical Safety.” Electrical Contractor Magazine, March 2025. https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/work-spaces-around-electrical-equipment-important-updates-to-section-110.26-improve-electrical-safety
- EC&M Staff. “NEC Requirements for Working Clearances.” EC&M Magazine. https://www.ecmweb.com/national-electrical-code/code-basics/article/21259374/nec-requirements-for-working-clearances
- International Association of Electrical Inspectors. “Working Space for Electrical Equipment.” IAEI Magazine, August 2022. https://iaeimagazine.org/2013/julyaugust-2013/working-space-for-electrical-equipment/
- Dollard, James. “General Installation Requirements, Part XXIX.” Electrical Contractor Magazine. https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/codes-standards-general-installation-requirements-part-xxix
- Dollard, James. “Required Bollards, CCCs in Wireways and More.” Electrical Contractor Magazine. https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/articles/article-detail/codes-standards-required-bollards-cccs-wireways-and-more
- ASTM International. “F2656/F2656M Standard Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers.” 2020. https://store.astm.org/f2656_f2656m-20.html
- Protogetic. “U.S. Registry of Vehicle Barriers Rated F2656 & F3016.” https://protogetic.com/official-lists/US-Registry-of-Vehicle-Barriers-Rated-to-the-Standards-F2656-F3016/
- Barrier1 Systems. “ASTM Crash Ratings.” January 2025. https://barrier1.com/astm-crash-ratings/
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “1910.144 – Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards.” Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.144
- Workplace Material Handling & Safety. “OSHA 1910.144 – Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards.” January 2022. https://www.workplacepub.com/stay-in-compliance/osha-1910-144-safety-color-code-for-marking-physical-hazards/
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. “IEEE 80-2013 – IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding.” IEEE Xplore, 2015. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7109078/
- UpCodes. “110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.” NFPA 70, 2023 National Electrical Code. https://up.codes/s/spaces-about-electrical-equipment