contactor in panel?

Status
Not open for further replies.
POWER_PIG

POWER_PIG

Senior Member
Hi all,
Just a quick question..........
A co-worker installed a small lighting contactor inside a panelboard today.
I can't find anything in the 2005 NEC that would prohibit such installs, but it sure don't look right to me, and I can imagine years down the road when that contactor becomes hidden with added ckts ect. that it could become a hazard.....can you imagine going to add a ckt, maybe need to pull a KO. Reach in to pull some wires aside and *whammy * stick you fingures right into the line side of a contactor you never even saw?
 
I too have seen this and IMO is a crappy install, only violation that I know would be the violating the space req. in the panelboard. (if it does)
 
480sparky said:
Could it violate the ETL listing of the panel?
Click to expand...
Possibly only if the ETL was the one who investigated the panel.

There's panelboards, and there are panelboard cabinets. Most are sold pre-assembled for convenience. Panelboard cabinets are not prohibited from housing more than just panelboards.
 
mdshunk said:
Possibly only if the ETL was the one who investigated the panel.

There's panelboards, and there are panelboard cabinets. Most are sold pre-assembled for convenience. Panelboard cabinets are not prohibited from housing more than just panelboards.
Click to expand...

Cool. Now I can use an energized panelboard as a gang box. :grin:
 
480sparky said:
Could it violate the ETL listing of the panel?
Click to expand...

You really can't put anything in a panel.

PanelGuts.jpg


You can put panel boards and contactors in cabinets. :cool:
 
POWER_PIG said:
Hi all,
Just a quick question..........
A co-worker installed a small lighting contactor inside a panelboard today.
I can't find anything in the 2005 NEC that would prohibit such installs, but it sure don't look right to me, and I can imagine years down the road when that contactor becomes hidden with added ckts ect. that it could become a hazard.....can you imagine going to add a ckt, maybe need to pull a KO. Reach in to pull some wires aside and *whammy * stick you fingures right into the line side of a contactor you never even saw?
Click to expand...

I know when I work in a panel I lick my fingers, close my eyes and REACH IN!!:roll:
 
Depends on who is in charge of the job.My standards are bit too high but if its my project i make all the calls cause its my ---- if its wrong.Been told often i am a pain.Many things are legal simply cause nothing says they aint.Would i do this ,maybe just depends on why.If in dought i usually go beyond nec.And passing does not make anything ok.Had great day ,worked alone and enjoyed not babysitting.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top