Appliances in compartments shall be accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway not less than what width?

The correct choice is that appliances in compartments should be accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway not less than 24 inches in width. This requirement ensures that technicians and service personnel can safely and efficiently access the appliances for maintenance, repair, and inspection.

A minimum width of 24 inches is generally sufficient to allow for the safe passage of tools, equipment, and personnel, while also facilitating comfortable movement in a potentially cramped space. Adequate access is critical not only for routine servicing but also for emergency situations, ensuring that technicians can quickly get to the necessary equipment without obstruction.

In practice, wider openings are often more beneficial, especially in commercial settings or when dealing with larger equipment. However, the 24-inch standard meets the basic accessibility requirements set forth in various building and electrical codes. It balances the need for accessibility with the constraints of space that may be present in some installation environments.