Where I work we are still under the NEC 2002 and I ran into a slight problem the other day where the main electric service panel was behind the garage mandoor. From the hinged side of the door I had the required work space plus when the door was opened 90 degrees there was no problem. The only problem was the door swing was in the work space. Am I looking at this the wrong way or is this alright?
Door swing & work space
- Thread starter insparks
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Logan, Utah
I agree with jwjrw,
If you have the required working space when the man door is closed there is not problem.
It is quite common in my area to see a panel located behind the swing of a door to a laundry room.
Chris
If you have the required working space when the man door is closed there is not problem.
It is quite common in my area to see a panel located behind the swing of a door to a laundry room.
Chris
geovan
Member
- Location
- Silver City
When I was inspecting. I came across this.
The Journeyman called me to come look at it. I found nothing in writing in the NEC. Although I didn't like it. (working in a panel someone swings the door open and there you are ). So I called a Building Inspector. He found the IBC touched on it.
Check with the Building Inspector also.
The Journeyman called me to come look at it. I found nothing in writing in the NEC. Although I didn't like it. (working in a panel someone swings the door open and there you are ). So I called a Building Inspector. He found the IBC touched on it.
Check with the Building Inspector also.
ty
Senior Member
- Location
- 3rd Rock from the Sun
Close door and lock it. noone can open it while you are working there.
No violation.
No violation.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
geovan
Member
- Location
- Silver City
No , that was a few years ago. Sorry.
geovan
Member
- Location
- Silver City
It might have even been the UBC.
geovan
Member
- Location
- Silver City
- Location
- Logan, Utah
Ragin Cajun
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate S.C.
Behind a door in a room to me is the best location since you know someone can't pile junk in front of it..
BUT . . .
Today the City of Charleston, SC gigged me for that. They don't allow a panel behind any door. They gave two reasons:
1. "Safety" as the man working "hot" could get hit by the door.
2. It's "hidden" behind the door and people might "miss it".
I said "OK", since there was room to move it. Gotta pick your battles - Electrical was the only one that passed code review. (Still like them behind the door - just everywhere else.)
BTW, they absolutely prohibit aluminum cable - including large feeders. Guess it's the salt from the ocean.
RC
BUT . . .
Today the City of Charleston, SC gigged me for that. They don't allow a panel behind any door. They gave two reasons:
1. "Safety" as the man working "hot" could get hit by the door.
2. It's "hidden" behind the door and people might "miss it".
I said "OK", since there was room to move it. Gotta pick your battles - Electrical was the only one that passed code review. (Still like them behind the door - just everywhere else.)
BTW, they absolutely prohibit aluminum cable - including large feeders. Guess it's the salt from the ocean.
RC
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
I was discussing with Habitat for Humanity how they keep the area clear in front of electrical panels. The answer was simple, put the panel behind a door that swings as you describe. The clearance is there when the door is closed. As long as the door is not a required exit it could even be locked shut when working.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
I would have assured them I've never seen a blind, shoeless electrician in my life, and that redwings make an excellent doorstop when a lock is unavailable.
- Status