1. Introduction In modern industrial production, distribution cabinets and distribution boxes play a vital role. They are not only responsible for the distribution and management of electricity, but also an important interface between operators and electrical equipment. However, most people may not have thought deeply about the standard and necessity of the operating space in front of the distribution cabinet. According to the “Standardization Specifications for Safety Production of Machinery Manufacturing Enterprises” and the “Low Voltage Distribution Design Specifications”, there are clear regulations for the operating distances in front of various types of distribution equipment. This article will explore in detail the meaning behind these standards and the potential safety hazards caused by insufficient operating space.
2. Relevant regulations and standards

Standardization Specifications for Safety Production of Machinery Manufacturing Enterprises According to Article 4.2.38.2.4 of the “Standardization Specifications for Safety Production of Machinery Manufacturing Enterprises” AQ/T7009-2013, a 1.2-meter obstacle-free space must be maintained in front of (or below) the power (lighting) distribution box (cabinet, panel). The formulation of this specification is intended to ensure that operators have enough space to operate the equipment and reduce potential safety risks such as electric shock and short circuit. In the workshop industrial environment, sometimes due to the difficulty of process layout, this distance can be moderately reduced to 0.8 meters. This is worth noting, because safety can often be moderately compromised when necessary.

Low-voltage power distribution design specification “Low-voltage power distribution design specification” GB50054-2011 stipulates that the width of the operating channel of the wall-mounted distribution box should be no less than 1 meter, and the fixed distribution cabinet requires a width of 1.5 meters. If the layout of the equipment requires face-to-face operation, the space must reach 1.8 meters. The most fundamental purpose of these standards is to ensure that operators have sufficient space for activities during operation and reduce the risk of accidents.

3. Standards and operations in the electric shaft The space of the electric shaft is usually relatively small. In this case, the implementation of various safety standards has become the biggest test. Although the “Low-voltage power distribution design specification” does not clearly stipulate the operating distance of the electric shaft space, it can be inferred from its standards for distribution cabinets that safe operations in the electric shaft should also follow similar basic principles. In view of the narrow space in the electric shaft, operators should be particularly cautious when performing electrical maintenance operations. It is usually recommended that two people operate in the electric shaft at the same time. However, the lack of space makes it very easy for technicians to have accidents during repairs or inspections, or touch live parts due to improper use of tools, resulting in accidents such as electric shock.
4. Safety hazards of insufficient operating space

Operation difficulties Insufficient operating space in front of the distribution cabinet will directly affect the operation process. In a narrow space, it may be difficult for operators to open the distribution box door smoothly, hindering the normal operation of switches, knife switches and other equipment. For example, if the personnel responsible for power cut-off work in an emergency cannot quickly open the distribution cabinet due to limited space, it will lead to delays in processing time and further expand the scope of the fault.

Maintenance risks In the maintenance link, the lack of space makes it impossible for technicians to use tools effectively, increasing the risk of collision with surrounding live parts. Once in a small space, operators using tools such as screwdrivers are bound to cause accidental touches, directly causing electric shock accidents. The occurrence of such accidents not only threatens personal safety, but also affects the overall operating efficiency of the enterprise, causing material losses and delays in production downtime.

Delayed response to emergencies The speed of safe evacuation is the lifeline when dealing with electrical faults. If there is an emergency such as a short circuit or fire in the distribution box, the limited operating space makes it difficult for the operator to quickly move away from the accident scene, thereby increasing the risk of burns, electric shock and other injuries. In such emergency situations, time is the key to saving lives, and insufficient space will greatly compress the reaction time and increase the risk of injury.

V. Summary and Suggestions In an industrial environment, the operating space in front of the distribution cabinet is particularly important. The formulation of various relevant specifications and standards is not groundless, but to protect the life safety of operators. In the actual layout of the workshop, the company should repeatedly evaluate the rationality of the operating space to ensure that there is enough working space around the distribution cabinet. In addition, the company should strengthen safety training, enhance employees’ safety awareness, let everyone understand the potential risks of working near the distribution cabinet, and minimize the probability of accidents.