What is the minimum distance a service conductor (open or without an outer jacket) must be from working windows or doors?

What is the minimum distance a service conductor (open or without an outer jacket) must be from working windows or doors?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 3 feet
• C. 4 feet
• D. 6 feet

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is to keep bare, uninsulated service conductors far enough away from windows and doors so people can’t accidentally touch them when a door or window is opened. When conductors are open or not jacketed, they present a direct shock hazard, and a door or window could bring a person’s hand, a tool, or clothing into reach if the clearance is too small. Setting a three-foot buffer provides a practical safety margin that accommodates people, their movements, and typical door/window operation, reducing the chance of contact or arcing hazards. Among the given options, three feet is the minimum that offers a reliable safety gap for open conductors near openings.

The essential idea is to keep bare, uninsulated service conductors far enough away from windows and doors so people can’t accidentally touch them when a door or window is opened. When conductors are open or not jacketed, they present a direct shock hazard, and a door or window could bring a person’s hand, a tool, or clothing into reach if the clearance is too small. Setting a three-foot buffer provides a practical safety margin that accommodates people, their movements, and typical door/window operation, reducing the chance of contact or arcing hazards. Among the given options, three feet is the minimum that offers a reliable safety gap for open conductors near openings.