unused panels as junction boxes

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upstatecontractor

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a new service is to be installed in a dwelling (existing is 60 amp with fuses), does the code permit the existing panel box to be used as a termination point? (splice box). I had planned on removing the guts from the panel box and using it as a splice box? permissible and if so what is the code section
 
Pierre C Belarge

Pierre C Belarge

Senior Member
Location
Westchester County, New York
The building codes also have a provision for "used material". That can be found in the Admin section of the codes.

In NYS, it basically says that the products cannot be reused if they do not meet the current codes/Standards of the product.

An inspector from Conn called me today, asking about used material. I mentioned to him what I wrote above. He checked Conn's Admin, and it states the AHJ has to approve the used product.
 
brantmacga

brantmacga

Señor Member
Location
Georgia
Occupation
Former Child
we do it.

as for the cover, we get a sheet metal cover cut @ a local machine shop. runs about $50 for average resi cabinet size.
 
Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
ceb58 said:
The only thing you may have to do is secure the door or replace it with a solid cover.
Click to expand...
Why does this have to be done. I have seen JB's with a hinged cover. I would think as long as the cover door closes it should not be an issue. Can you direct me to an article that req. this?
 
iwire

iwire

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Massachusetts
Pierre C Belarge said:
The building codes also have a provision for "used material". That can be found in the Admin section of the codes.

In NYS, it basically says that the products cannot be reused if they do not meet the current codes/Standards of the product.
Click to expand...

It is not being 'reused' it is being 'used'.

Or would that code require I replace K&T wiring when I do a panel swap and disconnect the K&T from the panel for a few minutes? :)
 
Pierre C Belarge

Pierre C Belarge

Senior Member
Location
Westchester County, New York
iwire said:
It is not being 'reused' it is being 'used'.

Or would that code require I replace K&T wiring when I do a panel swap and disconnect the K&T from the panel for a few minutes? :)
Click to expand...

upstatecontractor said:
a new service is to be installed in a dwelling (existing is 60 amp with fuses), does the code permit the existing panel box to be used as a termination point? (splice box). I had planned on removing the guts from the panel box and using it as a splice box? permissible and if so what is the code section
Click to expand...

The way I read this, is an existing service enclosure is being reused as a splice box.
 
L

lakee911

Senior Member
Location
Columbus, OH
upstatecontractor said:
Yes existing service panel box will be used as a splice box. Still haven't gotten a clear answer whether this is permissible or not.??:confused:
Click to expand...

Yes you can do it. If it's not in the code as disallowed, then I would think that you can do it. I'd use the existing cover provided that it latches shut. The enclosure is listed as is the cover and if you fabricated a new cover it wouldn't be listed.
 
glene77is

glene77is

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Location
Memphis, TN
lakee911 said:
Yes you can do it. If it's not in the code as disallowed, then I would think that you can do it. I'd use the existing cover provided that it latches shut. The enclosure is listed as is the cover and if you fabricated a new cover it wouldn't be listed.
Click to expand...

Can the HomeOwner stick his hand inside this junction box ?
That would be reason enough for a new cover, screwed on tight.
That is the practice I've seen, new cover, screwed on tight.

IMO, you could drill/tap for machine bolts to hold the "door" closed.
 
ceb58

ceb58

Senior Member
Location
Raeford, NC
ceb58 said:
The only thing you may have to do is secure the door or replace it with a solid cover.
Click to expand...

Dennis Alwon said:
Why does this have to be done. I have seen JB's with a hinged cover. I would think as long as the cover door closes it should not be an issue. Can you direct me to an article that req. this?
Click to expand...

That is why I said MAY and OR. The times I have done this I have secured the door with screws if for no other reason but to help keep unqualified persons out.
 
TOOL_5150

TOOL_5150

Senior Member
Location
bay area, ca
Heres a recent job where I did just that.

Before cut over:
imag0292.jpg




And after the cutover:
imag0294.jpg


I just used sheet metal screws on the old cover to keep it closed.

~Matt
 
busman

busman

Senior Member
Location
Northern Virginia
Occupation
Master Electrician / Electrical Engineer
TOOL_5150 said:
Heres a recent job where I did just that.

Before cut over:
imag0292.jpg




And after the cutover:
imag0294.jpg


I just used sheet metal screws on the old cover to keep it closed.

~Matt
Click to expand...

Won't the shelving (when it's re-installed) hold the covers closed? LOL.

Mark
 
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