Is it legal to build room within a plant under an existing Buss rail?

[tpmc]

Hello,
I was recently handed plans that show an existing buss rail with buss plugs feeding equipment. I'm being told they are going to build an inner office under the buss rail. They will install a drop ceiling on the room with insulation above the tile. The buss rail will be about 1(one) ft above the tile/insulation. The removable drop ceiling will allow access to the buss rail. I don't think it's a good ideal to put anything under the buss rail. But the question is it a code violation?

Thanks,
Tpmc

 

[PHovnanian]

Where are you and what is the applicable code?

I don't think there is a prohibition in the NEC against what you plan to do except described by NEC 368.10 (B). Access to joints or taps is required, but you have accounted for that.

368.10 Uses Permitted. Busways shall be permitted to be
installed where they are located in accordance with 368.10(A)
through (C).
...

(B) Behind Access Panels. Busways shall be permitted to
be installed behind access panels, provided the busways are
totally enclosed, of nonventilating-type construction, and
installed so that the joints between sections and at fittings
are accessible for maintenance purposes. Where installed
behind access panels, means of access shall be provided,
and either of the following conditions shall be met:

(1) The space behind the access panels shall not be used
for air-handling purposes.
(2) Where the space behind the access panels is used for
environmental air, other than ducts and plenums, there
shall be no provisions for plug-in connections, and the
conductors shall be insulated.​