Large pull box with no splice, can access be blocked?

[r1style]

Hello forum!

First post here, so I apologize if it's in the wrong place, but it seems this is the best place for this question.

Problem:
I have a few large pull boxes (about 24" X 46") installed on vertical 4" risers. These risers/pull boxes are in the electrical closet. This pull box was installed ONLY because we need to install cable supports every , 40, 50, 60, 70' (whichever the code calls for). There will be no splices in this pull box, just inserting the cable supports. Once this pull box is closed, it will not require any future service. It's basically a raceway. Can I place a breaker panel in front of this pull box? Will this be up to code? Can this pull box be treated like a raceway with no access? The problem is that, where the pull box is sitting, should be the location for the breaker panel. I have no other location to move the panel too. There's not enough room to place the pull box higher and panel lower.

On floors, that I don't need cable supports, I wont need a pull box and I don't have this problem.

Location: NYC
Building Type: Hotel

 

[augie47]

IMO, 314.29 prohibits your rendering the cover inaccessible.

 

[Sierrasparky]

looks like you'll be doing either:

1-rearranging those conduits to place the ones that need the pull box to the left. so you have room
or
2- getting one of those skinny column mounted panels if have seen in the catalogues , very expensive.
or
3- moving your panel elsewhere.
or
4-flipping that pull box around so the opening in on the other side of the back wall.

Good luck!

 

[petersonra]

is there room to move the box up? seems like a relatively innocent exercise at this point to just cut the emt off above and shift the box up 4 or 5 feet ir there is room.

 

[sparkyrick]

Will the AHJ allow a smaller j-box, if it's only for cable supports and not being used as a pull box?