keep existing wiring, extend with new wiring

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victor.cherkashi

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NYC, NY
Hi all,

The store has a 42-pole 200A 120/208V panel, (25) 20A 120V receptacle and lighting circuits, and (2) 40A air curtains. The length of the circuits ranges from 0 to 80ft. Existing active store that was constructed four years ago.

The client has requested us to relocate this panel to a different place that is 90ft away. However, in this new location, the circuit lengths will vary from 90 to 170ft. I want to know if there are any code provisions or technical issues that prevent us from doing the following:

1. keep all existing wiring after removing the existing panel.

2. install new circuits from the new panel location to the location of the removed panel. New wiring in this section to be next AWG size to compensate voltage drop.

3. finally, connect new wiring (which is bigger in size) to existing wiring in location where panel was removed.
 
hillbilly1 said:
www.westernsheetmetal.com

Tap Cans - Western Sheet Metal

Tap Cans & Termination Boxes, at Western Sheet Metal, Manufacturing is still alive, in Irving, Texas, USA
www.westernsheetmetal.com www.westernsheetmetal.com
Click to expand...
There is no use for Tap Cans in this case. The idea is to simply install a 6"x6" 3ft-long wiring trough where the panel was removed and run all circuits from the new location to the trough.

For instance, there are currently existing (20) 3#12 cables serving receptacles and lighting. I will run (20) 3#10 cables from the new panel's location and connect the new 3#10 cable to the existing 3#12 cable one by one.
 
hillbilly1 said:
www.westernsheetmetal.com

Tap Cans - Western Sheet Metal

Tap Cans & Termination Boxes, at Western Sheet Metal, Manufacturing is still alive, in Irving, Texas, USA
www.westernsheetmetal.com www.westernsheetmetal.com
Click to expand...
You know I don't get involved in too many code issues because I spend all my time troubleshooting, repairing industrial machinery and controls. But occasionally I come across situations like this where the old breaker panel is gutted and used as a junction box. Mind you done in a workmanlike manner with everything covered and proper splices. What does the code have to say about this practice?
 
Joethemechanic said:
You know I don't get involved in too many code issues because I spend all my time troubleshooting, repairing industrial machinery and controls. But occasionally I come across situations like this where the old breaker panel is gutted and used as a junction box. Mind you done in a workmanlike manner with everything covered and proper splices. What does the code have to say about this practice?
Click to expand...
The guts are the "panelboard" the metal can doesn't need listed if in a nema 1 environment. Other side to allow this is splices are allowed in a panelboard so long as it's not overfilled. That last one doesn't fly in Canada though.
 
Joethemechanic said:
You know I don't get involved in too many code issues because I spend all my time troubleshooting, repairing industrial machinery and controls. But occasionally I come across situations like this where the old breaker panel is gutted and used as a junction box. Mind you done in a workmanlike manner with everything covered and proper splices. What does the code have to say about this practice?
Click to expand...
Usually when a panelboard is being moved in commercial, it is because that wall or room is being demolished, so the circuits are intercepted above the ceiling level, so re-using the panel can would not be practical,
 
letgomywago said:
The guts are the "panelboard" the metal can doesn't need listed if in a nema 1 environment. Other side to allow this is splices are allowed in a panelboard so long as it's not overfilled. That last one doesn't fly in Canada though.
Click to expand...
Thanks, that's good to know. I'm actually in a facility today where there are four old Cleaver-Brooks 500 HP boilers. Each one had a fuse box on it. At some point all the controls were updated and those fuse boxes are now being used as junction boxes. In fact the porcelain fuse holders are still in them
 
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