Location Of Electrical Panel to a Window....

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Davies

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I have been having a really tough time with this one.
I am wondering what code section exactly specifies the minimum horizontal clearance of an electrical panel to a window opening in the following two situations:
A) The overhead drop is in the wall, in conduit, and the panel is flush mounted.
B) The overhead drop is along the wall face, in conduit, and the panel is surface mounted.
Section 230.9 talks about the 3 ft. min. clearance of open service conductors. But it also says that if the service conductors are in NEC approved conduit, then the conductors ( and the panel as well? ) can be less than 3 feet.

But here is the Main issue: I was told that panels are legally installed in San Francisco County all the time within less than 3 feet from a window if the panel has a box ( wooden or otherwise with doors and hinges ) built to surround and enclose the electrical panel. Of course this box is attached to the building.
Does anybody know the code section that refers to this exception?
Thanks a bunch for your replies.
 
My thinking is that as far as the NEC is concerned the panel and any service conduits entering it can be as close to a window as you desire.
230.9 applies to open conductors and cables.
The SF "box" seems to be an added requiremnt by local AHJ.
 
The three foot clearance, clarence, is for overhead drip loops etc, not panel boxes or meters.

I got called on that 20 years ago because my meter was right next to a window. Long story short was the inspector had to eat crow on that one.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
The three foot clearance, clarence, is for overhead drip loops etc, not panel boxes or meters.

I got called on that 20 years ago because my meter was right next to a window. Long story short was the inspector had to eat crow on that one.
Click to expand...

exactly, all they are after is so you cant reach the junction. Conduit is no danger
What they dont want is you touching a splice
 
another example

another example

Similar to Dennis' example, I did a two-meters-into-one service change a couple of years ago. The Anchorage inspector OK'd it, saying that since the window was a slider rather than a crank-open, it was alright. He put the green sticker on, and I did't argue.

5-8-06004.jpg
 
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Howard Burger said:
Similar to Dennis' example, I did a two-meters-into-one service change a couple of years ago. The Anchorage inspector OK'd it, saying that since the window was a slider rather than a crank-open, it was alright. He put the green sticker on, and I did't argue.

5-8-06004.jpg
Click to expand...
Slider or cranker makes no difference, you did provide some steps and hand holds if one needed to crawl out the window though:cool:
 
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