EMT entering panel.

[powerplay]

Is having an pipe entering the panel above the Main Breaker on an Commercial Installation acceptable? In an tenants suite in an mall the Main Breaker has a separate cover, but not partitioned off. If someone were to push an fish tape into the pipe to the panel it could become a hazard although common sense would prevent that (and I do have an fiberglass one), but is it permitted to have EMT enter a panel from the Main Breaker side of the panel?

 

[petersonra]

You are not supposed to be working on it live anyway, so what possible difference could it make?

 

[ptonsparky]

In the typical smaller load center and panelboard installation this is a common practice. Bigger distribution and mcc this is not done.

 

[sparky59]

You are not supposed to be working on it live anyway, so what possible difference could it make?

How many electricians are going to shut the power off to a business just to run a new circuit.

 

[tallgirl]

How many electricians are going to shut the power off to a business just to run a new circuit.

The ones that really want to stay alive?

My neighbor likes to do electrical work on his house with the panel live. I like to stand around and wait to see if I get to brush up on my CPR and 911 dialing skills.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

To answer the OP's question. Yes, it is legal and it is done all the time. Don't be fooled into thinking that the bottom half of the panel is much safer.

 

[tlaidman]

That's what cardboard is made for to cover the mains so you don't hit them with the snake.

 

[iwire]

How many electricians are going to shut the power off to a business just to run a new circuit.

The ones that really want to stay alive?

And if that is not enough reason if they work for the company I work for all the ones that want to keep their job.