Enclosure Mounting

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dmulhol925

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Is there any requiremnet that says metal enclosures need to spaced off of and block or concrete wall by a certain distance for moisture build up?
 
dmulhol925 said:
Is there any requiremnet that says metal enclosures need to spaced off of and block or concrete wall by a certain distance for moisture build up?
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300.6(D) 2014 But I don't think that's what you're looking for.
Seems to me what you're looking for is in there but I can't find it right now......

Petersonra got it.
 
petersonra said:
312.2
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That code only applies to meter sockets, panel tubs, etc. AFAIK, there is no requirement for outlet/jboxes. I slap 4 squares on concrete all day long.

However, the OP only said "enclosure" so maybe we need clarification.
 
The concepts behind both sections mentioned so far is to prevent corrosion from degrading the enclosure.

300.6(D) mentions "In portions of dairy processing facilities, laundries, canneries, and other indoor wet locations" and goes on with some other conditions. Exceptions are for non metallic equipment - probably should also include stainless equipment as it not really much of an issue either.

I have done work in dairy processing facilities - they wash nearly everything sometimes multiple times a day, and use high caustic or high acid based detergents as well. Mild steel enclosures just don't last even if you comply with 300.6(D). On top of that other inspectors like maybe USDA or FDA, or some other private organizations rather see completely sealed all the way around the enclosure or have even more then a 1/4 inch gap behind it for sanitary reasons. 1/4 inch gap is small enough for crud to catch behind equipment and that promotes bacterial growth - so they don't like that. Some conflict with NEC there, but product safety will win every time - at very least they will seal the gap as soon as the electrical inspector walks out the door.;)
 
I’m surprised such a narrow spacing between the panel and wall is permitted for hygiene reasons.

Ok I’m in the UK, hygiene and safety go hand in hand where ever you are.

Panels (control or otherwise) were either direct mounted and sealed or on 30mm stand offs to permit pressure washing down the back. Stainless steel was the norm but for sockets (receptacles) etc, plastic was used. Everything was to IP67.

My short spell in the food industry was with a Canadian company. Don’t ask me how, I went there as an engineer and somehow became production manager????
 
Tony S said:
My short spell in the food industry was with a Canadian company. Don’t ask me how, I went there as an engineer and somehow became production manager????
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That isn't all that surprising, those kinds of position changes seem to happen a lot. The engineer (if they are good) are the only ones that know how things need to work, not just the mechanical items but the entire plant process from automated things to manual labor. Have a problem with a formula for a product or issues during processing - the engineer is the one with enough knowledge of how to deal with the problem, or at very least what can be done to salvage what you can instead of total waste of a batch or run of product.

You think they throw away bad product in the food industry - not unless absolutely necessary. Lots of stuff that is not hazardous but not up to specifications gets re-blended with new product has a way of being "reconditioned" or they find another use for it in some cases. If not safe for human consumption it may be sold as animal food product. That engineer turned production manager is useful for those kinds of decisions.
 
kwired said:
That isn't all that surprising, those kinds of position changes seem to happen a lot. The engineer (if they are good) are the only ones that know how things need to work, not just the mechanical items but the entire plant process from automated things to manual labor. Have a problem with a formula for a product or issues during processing - the engineer is the one with enough knowledge of how to deal with the problem, or at very least what can be done to salvage what you can instead of total waste of a batch or run of product.

You think they throw away bad product in the food industry - not unless absolutely necessary. Lots of stuff that is not hazardous but not up to specifications gets re-blended with new product has a way of being "reconditioned" or they find another use for it in some cases. If not safe for human consumption it may be sold as animal food product. That engineer turned production manager is useful for those kinds of decisions.
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Sent to Her Majesties Prisons was one way of getting rid of substandard stuff.
I’ve sent them bits of broken plastic conveyor belt to add a bit of flavour.

You hit the nail on the head:
I learnt the process, the manager went off sick and I’m left holding the baby. He never came back!
 
Most load centers, panel cabinets, meter bases, etc. have the little "bumps" on the back that will hold them off the wall. I haven't measured them but I would bet they are close to 1/4".
 
Little Bill said:
Most load centers, panel cabinets, meter bases, etc. have the little "bumps" on the back that will hold them off the wall. I haven't measured them but I would bet they are close to 1/4".
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Very true. I usually mount on strut though.
 
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