What is the difference between Exposed, Accessible, and In Sight? (Code Words You Should Know)

In our ongoing series of Confusing Code Terms Explained, Dustin reviews the terms Exposed, Accessible and In Sight. And while not too awful sounding, they can be a bit confusing on exactly what they mean from a Code standpoint!

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Article 100 of the NEC defines accessibility as such:
Accessible (as it applies to equipment) is “Capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection”. There is nothing too magical about this definition, it simply means that the equipment must be installed so it can be operated, serviced, etc. So, you can’t install something that has to be accessible above a hard lid ceiling with no access, or pour it in concrete, or bury it behind a piece of drywall or something like that. Accessible (as it applies to wiring methods) is defined as capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. Same type of situations as above in that after you install it, it must be able to be reached and operated/manipulated after it is completed. Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible) is defined as capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth. This is the most stringent of the group and in essence means that you must be able to walk right up to the item and be able to access/actuate it without tools, equipment, or moving anything.
On the inverse side of things, Article 100 of the NEC has a few terms that are the opposite of accessible:
Concealed is “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Again, the exact opposite; you can’t see or access it. Enclosed means “surrounded by a case, housing, fence, or wall(s) that prevents persons from accidentally contacting energized parts”. This is important so not everyone has access to the potential dangers of electrical current flow. Exposed (as it applies to live parts) is the complete opposite of Enclosed and is “Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person”, while Exposed (as applied to wiring methods) “on or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access”.
The NEC defines Guarded as “Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or objects to a point of danger”. While close to Enclosed, Guarded seems like it is a lesser form of protection.
In Sight From (or Within Sight From or Within Sight) is defined as “Visible and not more than 50 feet distant from the other”. You may hear this term as it relates to a disconnect being within sight from the equipment it serves (or something of that nature).
Isolated (as applied to location) means “Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used”. So, one would have to be Given access to something isolated and not have it readily available.
We hope this has clarified some of the terminology surrounding Accessibility as it relates to the NEC. These terms are all closely related, and as electricians, we should know the difference between them. Make sure you are explaining this to your apprentices when teaching, make sure you are discussing this when your customers have questions as to WHY you installed something where you did, etc. I think with the state of current affairs today, EVERYONE could probably use a little more education on things!!