Can panelboards be located inside cabinets?

[don_resqcapt19]

marc,

Don should'nt read the code so hard. He puts more into it than what is there

I read exactly what is in there, most only read what they want to see, not what is there. There a large number of poorly written sections that are never enforced as they are written because compliance is impossible. They are enforced based on the inspectors opinion of the intent of the code, however from a legal standpoint you cannot enforce intent, you can only enforce the written words.
Don

 

[Mike03a3]

Don should'nt read the code so hard. He puts more into it than what is there

I think this is a perfect example of Charlie's rule - it says what it says. I don't think Don is reading anything into it, he's merely reciting what it actually says. I also think he is correct that, by the plain words of the NEC, recessed panels are not allowed.

 

[paul32]

No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this zone.

Don,
Tell me how a wall fits into the above description. A wall is not "equipment". I don't see how a recessed panel violates this section.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Paul,
Based on the NEC's use of the word "equipment" just about every physical object is equipment. Also look at the exception, if things like the wall were not included in the word "equipment" there would be no need for the exception.

Exception: Suspended ceilings with removable panels shall be permitted within the 1.8-m (6-ft) zone.

Don

 

[e57]

Based on that definition of 'equipment' you could have the panel recessed back 6"....

(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). Within the height requirements of this section, other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation and is located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electrical equipment.

IMO that is meant to mean "Electrical equipment" like gutters and J-boxes....

However I have done intallations like this of having a panel behind a touch-latch door on faux cabinetry walls making it look like a cabinet side. Pop the door and the panel is at the face of the surface behind it, and the door is full hieght. Or a surface door, over a flush mounted panel. Seeing that the panel cover protudes about a 1/4" from the face, the door needs to accomadate that.

And likewise, same subject, some of the communities that require "dog-houses" for exterior equipment allow the panel to be recessed back about 6". Hows that fit in the code??????