Behind the panel

[celtic]

Typically, a residential panel is about 4" deep. This fits nicely into a standard 2x4 wall ~ 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" stud cavity, 1/2" rock = 4".

The walls on a job we are doing are framed with 2x3 metal studs ~ 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" , 1/2" rock = 3 1/2"...but the panels are still the standard 4" depth. The face of the panels are to be flush with the finish wall. The back of the panel is now exposed ~ no rock behind the panel, just the back box exposed.

The area behind the panel is a little mech. closet containing the furnace and HWH.

Must the back of a panel be covered or is this a violation?

 

[infinity]

I see no reason why the back of the panel can't stick out of the wall. The entire panel could be surface mounted if you so choose, so an inch or so sticking out shouldn't be a problem. Unless of course we're speaking about a wall fire rating issue.

 

[iwire]

I agree with Trevor.

No problem as far as the NEC.

It may be a building code issue unless they box the back side in.

Sounds like problem for the GC to resolve.

 

[celtic]

The back doesn't actually stick out ~ it's also flush with the back wall surface.

The mech. room has no gas ~ all electric utilities.

I didn't think this was an NEC issue, but the inspector did mention it...I pawned off the "repair" job to the GC...THEY are the geniuses that decided to use a "thin wall".

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

No problem as per nec.Perhaps they could just mud over it with tape and compound.They are getting cheap about building now days.Anything to save a few dollars.

 

[iwire]

Perhaps they could just mud over it with tape and compound.

LOL

Don't give the rockers any ideas.

I have watched them patch head sized holes with just paper tape and mud......hope the painters do not press to hard with the roller.

 

[celtic]

No problem as per nec.Perhaps they could just mud over it with tape and compound.They are getting cheap about building now days.Anything to save a few dollars.

I'm NOT giving them any ideas!

They are building this place so cheaply...it's pratically a crime....and yet charging mega bucks for these dumps.

All the doors are slabs...not even the cheapest 6 panel doors available.
All the trim work is simply 1x3 MDF...is that even trim?

I hear birds everytime I walk onsite....cheep cheep cheep.