Clearance Required for Hose Valve in Cabinet?

4/3/2025

Valve Cabinet Clearance Is there any code which requires a minimum clearance for a valve cabinet. I typically say 36” or 1m (in Canada) as that is the typical clearance required in front of equipment. But I have been asked if there is any supporting reference for this specifically and I can’t find one for hose cabinets.

Just hose valves in a cabinet or where they are not to obstruct egress. Looking to see what others use and if they have any code reference.

Along a similar thought - does anyone know if equipment access clearances can overlap, or do they need to be independent of each other?

Can clearances overlap?

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

4/3/2025 08:15:24 am

There needs to be operational clearance provided. I would hope that this type of "requirement" would not need to be put into writing.

As far as "sharing" the clear distance, I have come across some published guidelines from technical organizations that do not permit this practice. Whether these documents are accepted regulations that must be complied with is another question.

Chad

4/3/2025 09:11:45 am

3' yes.

From 2021 NFPA 1:

13.1.5

A minimum 36 in. (915 mm) of clear space shall be maintained to permit access to and operation of fire protection equipment, fire department inlet connections, or fire protection system control valves. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment.

Chad

4/3/2025 09:15:15 am

Overlapping is fine, again assuming 3' clearance, IMO.... but not in the case of dedicated electrical space, see NFPA 70 110.26

Dan Wilder

4/3/2025 09:20:27 am

Typically, the Building/Fire code will prescribe distances.

The 2021 IFC 912.4.2 Clear Space around connections
A working space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and to the sides of wall-mounted fire department connections....

Now yes, this is for Fire Department Connections, it could be used as a baseline for the hose connections as well. 36" is typical for clearances in general.

At a minimum, the access door needs to be swung clear with a person behind it, then access to hose and how it will lay full charged.

Dave L.

4/3/2025 12:07:37 pm

I'm traveling at the moment and can't cross-check, but what about the 3 in. clearance required aroumd hose connection handles from NFPA #14"

Chad

4/3/2025 12:11:26 pm

I think you are referring to this? cant find 3ft/ 36 in elsewhere

2019 nfpa 14

7.3.1* General.
7.3.1.1
Hose connections and hose stations shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 3 ft (0.9 m) or more than 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor.

chad

4/3/2025 12:12:26 pm

you mean inches yeah this:

4.7.5*

Hose connections shall be located so that there is at least 3 in. (76.2 mm) clearance between any adjacent object and the handle of the valve when the valve is in any position ranging from fully open to fully closed.

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Clearance Required for Hose Valve in Cabinet?

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