Access to panelboard

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olc

Senior Member
Help:
An architect wants to put a cover over a panelboard (for aesthetic reasons).
They want to just screw it to the wall.
I said - no, it needs to be accessible. Make it hinged.
But when push comes to shove I can't put my finger on a code paragraph.
Can you help?
 
I think that even with a cover screwed down it is accessible. It may be though that the handles would need to be "readily accessible". As a previous poster suggested the answer may well be found in article 240, as to whether the requirement is "accessible" or "readily accessible".

Accessible (as applied to equipment). Admitting close
approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other
effective means.
Click to expand...

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). 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.
Click to expand...
 
After showing that, show them a picture of a refrigerator with the expensive black walnut trim! Let's start making electrical products high end/ designer.
Then instead of showing off the wine cellar they show off the power, teledata, security cellar!
 
I think a better option is to have the cover powder-coated to match the wall paint.

I’ve done it, and to me it’s less noticeable when it blends into the wall color.


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What am I missing? Accessible can't be locked but readily accessible can? Or is it just the panel cover that can be locked, but the room can't be?

Accessible (as applied to equipment). ...not guarded by locked doors...

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). ...without requiring ... tools (other than keys)...
 
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