Main Panel questions
- Thread starter drhoads
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Main Panel questions
Are you saying that, in order to do work within the main panel, you run the risk of stepping into a hole, and falling from the attic to the floor below? If so, then the proper precaution is to run, not walk, away from this house, tell the owner he has a problem, and call the AHJ. You are looking at a violation of 110.26, first sentence, ?. . . ready and safe operation and maintenance . . . .?
Or do I misunderstand your situation?
Are you saying that, in order to do work within the main panel, you run the risk of stepping into a hole, and falling from the attic to the floor below? If so, then the proper precaution is to run, not walk, away from this house, tell the owner he has a problem, and call the AHJ. You are looking at a violation of 110.26, first sentence, ?. . . ready and safe operation and maintenance . . . .?
Or do I misunderstand your situation?
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Main Panel questions
If its not installed yet, I would say to allow working space per 110.26, with a railing. If its installed and the scuttle hole is right in front, and stepping back you would fall through, I wouldn't work on it at all.
A good friend of mine fell through a scuttle hole, down 20 feet onto concrete and had to climb back out, he was alone on the job.
And of course you'll need 6ft 6in of head room.
Are you OK on the length of the unfused service entrance conductors from the meter to the service?
Some agencies limit this distance, anywhere from 3 to 15 feet.
If its not installed yet, I would say to allow working space per 110.26, with a railing. If its installed and the scuttle hole is right in front, and stepping back you would fall through, I wouldn't work on it at all.
A good friend of mine fell through a scuttle hole, down 20 feet onto concrete and had to climb back out, he was alone on the job.
And of course you'll need 6ft 6in of head room.
Are you OK on the length of the unfused service entrance conductors from the meter to the service?
Some agencies limit this distance, anywhere from 3 to 15 feet.
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Re: Main Panel questions
I'm guessing the main panel in question would be installed such that the scuttle hole would be above the panel. I think he's looking for rules regarding this kind of situation. Where I live, residential main panels are in the basement, nowhere near the attic scuttle hole, so I can't offer much useful advice on this one.
I'm guessing the main panel in question would be installed such that the scuttle hole would be above the panel. I think he's looking for rules regarding this kind of situation. Where I live, residential main panels are in the basement, nowhere near the attic scuttle hole, so I can't offer much useful advice on this one.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Main Panel questions
Since 95% of the services (residental)are in the garage here and almost all of them have access holes this comes up allot.You must use running boards as high as the wire that crosses the trusses within 6 ft of the access if it is accessed using a ladder 7 ft if it has a drop down stair unit.I tell my guys to keep the wiring tucked in the corner area ,off truss plates and nail a 12 ft 2x6 on edge to protect the nm.
Since 95% of the services (residental)are in the garage here and almost all of them have access holes this comes up allot.You must use running boards as high as the wire that crosses the trusses within 6 ft of the access if it is accessed using a ladder 7 ft if it has a drop down stair unit.I tell my guys to keep the wiring tucked in the corner area ,off truss plates and nail a 12 ft 2x6 on edge to protect the nm.
volt101
Senior Member
- Location
- New Hampshire
Re: Main Panel questions
Wayne, you say that 95% of the residential panels are installed in garages with scuttle holes. Question: Are the garage walls (including the one that the panel is mounted in) and ceiling required to be fire rated?
Wayne, you say that 95% of the residential panels are installed in garages with scuttle holes. Question: Are the garage walls (including the one that the panel is mounted in) and ceiling required to be fire rated?
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Main Panel questions
most are back to backed on the block wall,so fire rating isn`t a questionThe ceilings are done in ceiling board and i believe it has a 2 hr rating.since not a multiple dwelling all is good.
most are back to backed on the block wall,so fire rating isn`t a questionThe ceilings are done in ceiling board and i believe it has a 2 hr rating.since not a multiple dwelling all is good.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Main Panel questions
Also the chase 2x4 above the panel is fire foamed as are all penetrations into the attic.
Also the chase 2x4 above the panel is fire foamed as are all penetrations into the attic.
volt102
Senior Member
- Location
- New Hampshire
Re: Main Panel questions
I have see a lot of panels being installed in a one hour wall. The problem with it is that the panel does not have a fire rating. But with your wording Wayne, I assume that you already know this, just want to get the wheels in motion for the rest.
I have see a lot of panels being installed in a one hour wall. The problem with it is that the panel does not have a fire rating. But with your wording Wayne, I assume that you already know this, just want to get the wheels in motion for the rest.
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