counter in front of panel

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Hendrix

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New England
In an office building, there is a counter passing under a 200 amp panel.
The GC wants to hinge it to make it compliant for working space.
My Question is: Would this fly in anyones opinion ?
 
No....It wouldn't fly...in my opinion.

Most counter tops are used for storage....Coffee machine, microwave, toaster, a pile of books, etc.
I wouldn't see that as permitting ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.
110.26

steve
 
If I was inspecting the job, and I saw a hinge as part of the countertop allowing for access to the panel, I would permit the installation. Some spaces are limited, and the need for counterspace is imperative. Allowing a hinged countertop will help.

Think of a panel in a closet where the door has to be opened to allow for access, it is the same principle.
 
iwire said:
If I was an inspector I would fail it, not a doubt in my mind.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't it depend on if the counter was in the work space or out of the work space at the time of inspection. If they can raise it and latch it into position there wouldn't be much an inspector could do because proper work space is there at the time of inspection.

Now me I would remove this section for the inspection and let them install it later just to be on the safe side. Might get Bob as an inspector.
 
growler said:
Wouldn't it depend on if the counter was in the work space or out of the work space at the time of inspection. If they can raise it and latch it into position there wouldn't be much an inspector could do because proper work space is there at the time of inspection.

Now me I would remove this section for the inspection and let them install it later just to be on the safe side. Might get Bob as an inspector.
Click to expand...

My assumption is even when folded it impeads on the workspace and there is the issue of storage.

We all likely have different pictures in our head of how this is being hinged.
 
iwire said:
My assumption is even when folded it impeads on the workspace and there is the issue of storage.

We all likely have different pictures in our head of how this is being hinged.
Click to expand...

If it's hinged on the wall, it should fail. Even when it's folded, it would be in the work space.

If it's hinged on an adjacent counter (like in a pub or bar), then it would swing clear of the work space.
 
480sparky said:
If it's hinged on an adjacent counter (like in a pub or bar), then it would swing clear of the work space.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking of, that only a section of the counter would be hinged and that it would latch in place to give a clear work area when not in use.

It would have to be "completely" clear of the work area for inspection and secured in place in some way so as to be safe.

I really don't like the idea anyway but at times you just have to work with people. They are probably going to store copy paper or something flammable on this shelf making it a fire hazard. Let the Fire Marshal get them.

By the way I wouldn't build this shelf or be responsible for it's installation in any way.

If they do store things in front of the panel they are probably breaking a fire code.
 
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480sparky said:
If it's hinged on the wall, it should fail. Even when it's folded, it would be in the work space.
Click to expand...

Which is what I was picturing.

If it's hinged on an adjacent counter (like in a pub or bar), then it would swing clear of the work space.
Click to expand...

Which I agree with.

But I still have an issue with storage, I guess if there is nothing stored on the shelf at the time of inspection. :roll::grin:
 
iwire said:
Which is what I was picturing.



Which I agree with.

But I still have an issue with storage, I guess if there is nothing stored on the shelf at the time of inspection. :roll::grin:
Click to expand...


I'm thinking it would be easier to clear the storage stuff off the counter than it would be to clear out some of the electrical closets I've seen:grin:

At least you know they can't put a 500 lb. file cabinet in front of it!!

Steve
 
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