Duct over panelboard

[hhsting]

I have plans that show condo dwelling unit in which has panelboard in hallway inside the dwelling unit and has duct passing over it.

The duct is inside ceiling its not exposed like in electrical room. Assume its in dedicated space but ceiling over it just like in any typical condo.

I was wondering if NEC 2017 section 110.26(E)(a) would apply to my situation or not?

 

[Rock86]

Read 110.26(E)(a)

 

[hhsting]

Read 110.26(E)(a)

I read it but since panelboard top has ceiling and then duct and all that in dedicated space would duct still have to be removed? Duct is inside the ceiling of condo dwelling unit

 

[kwired]

Is is within structural ceiling? As in within space between ceiling joists or other structural members?

Structural ceiling is where dedicated space ends.

What you can't have is same duct above non structural ceiling/below the structural ceiling.

There is a limitation of 6 feet above the electrical equipment.

 

[kwired]

I read it but since panelboard top has ceiling and then duct and all that in dedicated space would duct still have to be removed? Duct is inside the ceiling of condo dwelling unit

I thought I posted my previous info, but apparently didn't hit post button or something failed.

if duct in question is within structural ceiling you are fine with it being there.

 

[hhsting]

Is is within structural ceiling? As in within space between ceiling joists or other structural members?

Structural ceiling is where dedicated space ends.

What you can't have is same duct above non structural ceiling/below the structural ceiling.

There is a limitation of 6 feet above the electrical equipment.

Duct is between space of structural ceiling and non structural ceiling inside condo of dwelling unit.

 

[Rock86]

Duct is between space of structural ceiling and non structural ceiling inside condo of dwelling unit.

how is that? does part of the duct cut through the ceiling overtop of the panel? If there is a structural ceiling separating the duct and the panel, then you have one situation. if the duct runs exposed over the panel, then you another situation.

 

[kwired]

Duct is between space of structural ceiling and non structural ceiling inside condo of dwelling unit.

I assume that means it is above a suspended ceiling or other non structural ceiling and the structural ceiling then. If so that is a no-go unless you have at least 6 feet to the top of the electrical equipment.

 

[hhsting]

I assume that means it is above a suspended ceiling or other non structural ceiling and the structural ceiling then. If so that is a no-go unless you have at least 6 feet to the top of the electrical equipment.

Panelboard is recessed in wall. Duct is in between structural and non structural ceiling. See attached sketch side view

 

[tom baker]

I had a panelboard in electrical room with HVAC duct over it, below 6ft 6 in. We had a drywall ceiling installed below the duct, this was ok per the AHJ.

 

[hhsting]

But what does the code say? If its all the way to structural ceiling then how can it be acceptable?

 

[augie47]

What is a non-structural ceiling ??

 

[kwired]

What is a non-structural ceiling ??

JMO, but sheetrock finish don't necessarily mean it is structural. Structural would be where the framing members are support members for a roof/floor or other major structural item above said ceiling.

Popular non structural ceilings are the T bar grids with lay in tiles - they serve no structural purpose. Another one might be light metal channels with drywall attached to them - they might look same as drywall on structural members but it still doesn't serve any structural purpose and is mostly only strong enough to hold up the ceiling finish and not much more.

 

[LarryFine]

In my opinion, the equipment space stops at the drywall ceiling.

 

[kwired]

In my opinion, the equipment space stops at the drywall ceiling.

If that drywall is attached to structural members, if it is attached to suspended channel from a structural ceiling above then no. I don't run into many of those, but most I do were installed in 1970's. Today they usually just installing T bar grid and lay in tiles.

 

[hhsting]

Its drywall. How is it typically in condo dwelling units building with multiple floor? Drywall attached to structural ceiling, t grid, etc how is it? And is duct between drywall and structural ceiling need to be removed if the panelboard is underneath drywall in dedicated space?

 

[hhsting]

What is a non-structural ceiling ??

Drywall as you find in condo dwelling unit building with multiple floor

 

[LarryFine]

Its drywall. How is it typically in condo dwelling units building with multiple floor? Drywall attached to structural ceiling, t grid, etc how is it? And is duct between drywall and structural ceiling need to be removed if the panelboard is underneath drywall in dedicated space?

Again, I say no, and for the same reasoning.

 

[tom baker]

So there you have it. Our experience is that the drywall is structural. If then have the duct moved.