lockable enclosure over recessed panel?

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malachi constant

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I have a client that is preparing a space adjacent to theirs for lease. They have breaker panels located within the leased space that will continue to feed their space and want to prioritize limiting access to the panels. I have suggested changing the locks on the panel covers but (for reasons unknown to me) they say this is not sufficient, and have suggested a shallow closet be built around them or metal enclosure installed over them. Architect is looking into the closet option. For the metal enclosure option I'm envisioning a max 4" deep enclosure with open back and lockable hinged front, all sized to allow the panel cover underneath it to be removed without having to remove the enclosure itself.

That all sounds good, but how does that relate to clearance requirements? In a past career I worked as an electrical contractor and have enough experience in panels to know it would be a little bit of a pain but nothing too onerous. I'm not able to find anything in Article 110 that makes me confident one way or another of it's legality. My plan (after explaining to the client this may not be legal and try to talk them into just re-keying the panels) is to put the enclosure option on the plans with a note to confirm concept with AHJ prior to ordering equipment.

And of course the very shallow closet option is a possibility, but architect hasn't confirmed it is buildable when limited to max 4" depth.

If anyone has thoughts or experiences with this I would appreciate hearing them. Thanks!
 
By underneath I assume you mean behind.

Basically a hollow backed cabinet over the panel, 4” deep.

Prolly will not fly if AHJ pushes.

Even if you met height and width requirements, your cabinet would have to extend to the floor.
The bottom lip would be in the working space.
 
Enclosing the panelboard in a closet is fine. The closet needs to accommodate the 30” wide clearance and front clearance is required when the closet door is opened - something to coordinate with the tenant planned layout.
 
If breakers are in one occupant space are supplying loads in another occupant space you have potential conflict with 240.24(B).
 
kwired said:
If breakers are in one occupant space are supplying loads in another occupant space you have potential conflict with 240.24(B).
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I don't see a conflict here. The building facilities folks have access to both spaces. It's not much different than leasing a space with all the panels in a locked common utilities room that you don't give you keys to. (I assume that is a scenario that happens frequently - I don't know for sure though, I'm not a facilities or office manager.) In our case the panels are similarly in an area where you have to call up facilities to gain access to them. The new tenant's lease will include language that they have to allow facilities access to service the electrical panels.

Good question though. Anyone have feedback on this?

ALSO - based on everyone's comments above I am recommending the closet doors option. (Assuming they can't be talked into just re-keying the panel doors).
 
malachi constant said:
I don't see a conflict here. The building facilities folks have access to both spaces. It's not much different than leasing a space with all the panels in a locked common utilities room that you don't give you keys to. (I assume that is a scenario that happens frequently - I don't know for sure though, I'm not a facilities or office manager.) In our case the panels are similarly in an area where you have to call up facilities to gain access to them. The new tenant's lease will include language that they have to allow facilities access to service the electrical panels.

Good question though. Anyone have feedback on this?

ALSO - based on everyone's comments above I am recommending the closet doors option. (Assuming they can't be talked into just re-keying the panel doors).
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Fair enough if both occupants have access, I just didn't want to focus so much on locking if there was access problems to begin with you did say this was in the leased space, but supplied the other space so had to question it.

I don't see a problem with installing a padlock hasp on the covers either, though some would cry that is a listing issue - though I don't believe it is.
 
jumper said:
One wonders what type of tenant is moving in that has owner so worried about access to panels.

A panel lock really should be sufficient, normal people really do not mess with others electrical.
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I was thinking of asking a similar question. If you have concerns of someone accidentally turning off some critical load - use handle locks or keyed breakers, even if not involving a second tenant.
 
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