3R Loadcenter next to driveway

[Doubleoh7]

I am quoting a 200 amp service upgrade. The current loadcenter (Federal Pacific) is located in a kitchen cabinet. I decided that the most practical solution is to install a new loadcent (3R) on the outide wall. I see that a lot of guys out in Arizona do this.
Here is my dilema. The load center will be on the side of the house next to the driveway. There is about 3' between the house and driveway. The bottom of the loadcenter will be about 2' off the ground. Is there a problem with exposure to physical damage? I have been digging and can't find a code reference. There is no AHJ, I just want to do what's right.


Thanks

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

I am quoting a 200 amp service upgrade. The current loadcenter (Federal Pacific) is located in a kitchen cabinet. I decided that the most practical solution is to install a new loadcent (3R) on the outide wall. I see that a lot of guys out in Arizona do this.
Here is my dilema. The load center will be on the side of the house next to the driveway. There is about 3' between the house and driveway. The bottom of the loadcenter will be about 2' off the ground. Is there a problem with exposure to physical damage? I have been digging and can't find a code reference. There is no AHJ, I just want to do what's right.


Thanks

"subject to physical damage" is not defined in the NEC.
If you are the AHJ then whether or not it is "subject to physical damage" is.....
up to you.:blink:

 

[kwired]

You could always place some bollards to protect it from vehicles.

 

[petersonra]

Is it prohibited to put a load center where it is subject to physical damage?

I think a good argument can be made that the direct physical proximity to vehicle traffic does indeed make it subject to damage from that traffic.

Having said that, how many millions of panelboards are located along aisleways with heavy forklift traffic? Or located on columns in warehouses with forklifts zooming by on a regular basis?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I would have no problem doing this install. Meters and panels are often on the driveway side of the house.

 

[kwired]

Is it prohibited to put a load center where it is subject to physical damage?

I think a good argument can be made that the direct physical proximity to vehicle traffic does indeed make it subject to damage from that traffic.

Having said that, how many millions of panelboards are located along aisleways with heavy forklift traffic? Or located on columns in warehouses with forklifts zooming by on a regular basis?

If it is a narrow passageway that the forklift regularly passes through anything you put there will be hit at some time. If there is a lot of room in the regular passageway it may seldom or never get hit.

 

[Chamuit]

I see that a lot of guys out in Arizona do this.

Thanks

A lot of us do what?

On a residence, if you have your 36" working space, you're golden.

 

[stew]

It sounds like it is a good way to go however I would put an lb at the 2 ft level and bring the panel up to a decent working height like 5 ft to the center.