Making a junction box with old panel.

[spencercagen]

Hey Yall,
Really quick question, can’t find it anywhere in the Nec. Home builders are putting there water heater in front of the electric panel. Can i use the panel for a junction to re run all the wires outside to a combo meter/panel. Of course i would put blanks on all the breakers and knock outs. Home builder is trying to tell me it needs to be a weather proofed box.

 

[augie47]

It's permissible & done often.

 

[roger]

I agree with Augie. I doubt the builder is an NEC expert but it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask him what he is basing his statement on

 

[Fred B]

Do it, but generally will remove the panelboard and either make a new cover from appropriate material or bolt hinged door closed so it can't simply be opened.

Is the location going to be subjected to spraying water?

Bone to pick with these builders, why is it they presume to insist the electrician move his electrical equipment that is already in place because it might make their job more difficult if you don't.

 

[infinity]

Home builder is trying to tell me it needs to be a weather proofed box.

Is the current panel a wet location rated panel? If not then why would a junction box need to be rated for a wet location? We've done this but I prefer a custom made flat cover from a local panel or pull box shop.

 

[spencercagen]

It's permissible & done often.

i thought so.

 

[spencercagen]

Do it, but generally will remove the panelboard and either make a new cover from appropriate material or bolt hinged door closed so it can't simply be opened.

Is the location going to be subjected to spraying water?

Bone to pick with these builders, why is it they presume to insist the electrician move his electrical equipment that is already in place because it might make their job more difficult if you don't.

No spraying water. The water is sitting across from it not above it. I was really planning on cutting a piece of sheet metal but i won’t have time to do all of that. Would it matter if i don’t screw the front panel cover shut?

 

[spencercagen]

Is the current panel a wet location rated panel? If not then why would a junction box need to be rated for a wet location? We've done this but I prefer a custom made flat cover from a local panel or pull box shop.

The current panel an indoor panel. Maybe i will screw something in the door so you can’t easily open it.

 

[Fred B]

No spraying water. The water is sitting across from it not above it. I was really planning on cutting a piece of sheet metal but i won’t have time to do all of that. Would it matter if i don’t screw the front panel cover shut?

Just a lot cheaper for a couple of bolts than a bunch of breaker filler plates to keep fingers out.

 

[spencercagen]

i agree.

 

[Barbqranch]

I have done that and put a couple of sheet metal screws in to hold the door closed. I also put a label on it indicating it was a junction box as well as where the power came from.

 

[LarryFine]

Won't the water heater render the J-box inaccessible?

 

[jimport]

Why does the water heater need to be in front of the panel?

 

[spencercagen]

So answering back to my question, They through me on this service with a guy thats been with this job for 110 years. He has told me to get a 12x12 outdoor junction box. I was furious, had to rip everything out and do alot of extra work. I cant stand stupidity, but at least i manage my temper and learned to keep my mouth close.