Code for Sub Panel in Apartment Unit

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MattASC

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Hi All,
Can anyone tell me what the code for having a sub-panel in an apartment unit is? Is one required? Is it OK to have a sub-panel close to the main that feeds the unit. Here is my situation..
There is an older building that has the sub-panels 1 foot above the oven on the left wall. Currently there are fuses and we would like to replcae them with breakers. The feed is coming from the Garage area below. Can we set the sub-panels in the garage for each individual unit and just connect the exsiting circuit lines and replace the existing sub-panel with a junction/conection box and not have any access to the sub-panels in the actaul unit. One would have to go downstairs to the proposed sub-panel in the garage area.Thanks.
I trust my electrician, but my boss is questioning it...
Thanks
 
I can see two things coming into play. First, there is no rule stating where the panel must be for any given dwelling unit. There are a few places it cannot be, a bathroom being one example. But the occupant has to have access to the overcurrent devices that protect the circuits within the unit. If you are talking about putting the panel in the garage, and if each occupant can get to that panel, and no occupant can get to a panel assigned to a different occupant, I think you would be OK. However, if you mean put all the panels side by side, so that any occupant can turn off breakers for someone else's unit, that would not be OK.

The other issue is the location at which the neutrals and grounds come together. It has to be at the same place the main disconnect is located. If you move a panel to a new location, or if you replace a panel by putting a new panel in a new location, then you have to be careful to get the N-G connections at the correct places. Your electrician should be able to help with this issue.
 
charlie b said:
I can see two things coming into play. First, there is no rule stating where the panel must be for any given dwelling unit. There are a few places it cannot be, a bathroom being one example. But the occupant has to have access to the overcurrent devices that protect the circuits within the unit. If you are talking about putting the panel in the garage, and if each occupant can get to that panel, and no occupant can get to a panel assigned to a different occupant, I think you would be OK. However, if you mean put all the panels side by side, so that any occupant can turn off breakers for someone else's unit, that would not be OK.

The other issue is the location at which the neutrals and grounds come together. It has to be at the same place the main disconnect is located. If you move a panel to a new location, or if you replace a panel by putting a new panel in a new location, then you have to be careful to get the N-G connections at the correct places. Your electrician should be able to help with this issue.
Click to expand...

Maybe I skimmed over that one, what code artcle is that one ?
 
i agree.
i understand that the panel must be readily accessible by the occupants, but why do the panels have to be 'not accessible' by other occupants - by code.

i understand completely why in real life that wouldnt be a good idea, but is it code?
 
90.1(B) is all that comes to mind.

When you consider that the main focus of the NEC is "Safety" and not "Convenience" unless you are attached to an Iron lung your neighbor shutting off your circuit breakers is not a safety issue. Well it could be a safety issue for the jerk turning off his neighbors breakers.
 
izak said:
i agree.
i understand that the panel must be readily accessible by the occupants, but why do the panels have to be 'not accessible' by other occupants - by code.

i understand completely why in real life that wouldnt be a good idea, but is it code?
Click to expand...





Take a look at 240.24(B)Exception No.1

Most multifamily dwelling buildings will be able to take advantage of this exception.
 
If all residents have a key to the electrical room and are responsible for their electrical in their units how does that make it a violation for all to have access to all?
 
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