Mounting panelboard

[tonype]

I usually see panelboards mounted on a piece of plywood, etc. Never saw one where 2 wall studs were placed about 2' away from a wall - panel was directly mounted to the 2 studs. Even though there was a "Final Approval" sticker on, this installation looked odd (or am I off my hinges?).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP2550_edited-1.jpg

 

[JohnJ0906]

That looks more like 9" off or so, but it hard to tell from that angle.

I've seen/installed a few like this. Usually it is so the walls can be wrapped with insulation. In this case, it looks as if they needed to clear that drain pipe.

We would mount some plywood to the wall though. 1) it makes the wall rigid, and 2) it gives a place to secure/staple the wires.

 

[iwire]

No reason you have to have plywood, but you should have cable supports within 12" of the enclosure.

 

[tonype]

That looks more like 9" off or so, but it hard to tell from that angle.

Typo - meant to write 1', not 2'

 

[mdshunk]

That picture is more typical of how a panel is "hung" from the joists when the basement wall is stone. I almost never do them that way on a block wall, unless I'm trying to get it out in front of something like pipes. In this case, it seems they had the drain line in the way, so I'd call that good work too.

 

[infinity]

The advantage of that is if the wall is ever finished the spacing off of the pipe is already established by the two studs so the panel will end up flush mounted in the new wall. Looks like the cables almost run past the window.

 

[steelersman]

No reason you have to have plywood, but you should have cable supports within 12" of the enclosure.

He didn't say you have to have plywood, but that he usually would use plywood in that scenario. I have never had to mount the panel that way, but if I did, I would use OSB or plywood since it would make for a cleaner looking and sturdier installation.

 

[iwire]

He didn't say you have to have plywood, but that he usually would use plywood in that scenario.

I was answering the OP. :smile:

I usually see panelboards mounted on a piece of plywood, etc.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

As Marc mentioned in his post, I would bet that the contractor mounted the panel as seen in the picture, to comply with 110.26(F)((1)(a).

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Just to add to my other comment, panels can basically be mounted anywhere where they comply with clearances. This panel could have been mounted in the middle of the room if the installer so chose to do so.

see 110.13(A)

 

[Buck Parrish]

Is that a fire place behind the panel?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It does look like a fireplace doesn't it? Certainly has some brick work there anyway..

It also looks like the studs are tied to the plumbing pipe for support. I hope there is more than that holding up that end of the studs.

 

[infinity]

It also looks like the studs are tied to the plumbing pipe for support.

Actually it's the other way around. The plumber used the stud to support his pipe. :grin:

 

[ultramegabob]

The advantage of that is if the wall is ever finished the spacing off of the pipe is already established by the two studs so the panel will end up flush mounted in the new wall.

If thats the case, they should have placed the panel in between the studs and not on top of them....

 

[infinity]

If thats the case, they should have placed the panel in between the studs and not on top of them....

Yup, you're right I didn't look that closely. That kind of happens when the photo is directly shown in the post and you have to jump back and forth to the link.

 

[augie47]

That picture is more typical of how a panel is "hung" from the joists when the basement wall is stone. I almost never do them that way on a block wall, unless I'm trying to get it out in front of something like pipes. In this case, it seems they had the drain line in the way, so I'd call that good work too.

I've been sitting on my fingers to keep from typing, but one hand finally broke free... sorry, Marc, but I just can't call that "good work"..the method might be a necessary evil due to the drian line, but it would take some additional work and pride before I'd say "good work"

 

[steelersman]

I've been sitting on my fingers to keep from typing, but one hand finally broke free... sorry, Marc, but I just can't call that "good work"..the method might be a necessary evil due to the drian line, but it would take some additional work and pride before I'd say "good work"

I definitely agree that it's not good work. I would never use 2 studs off the wall like that. I would simply nail a peice of plywood to the block wall and mount the panel to that. And at least for me that would be easier to do than put up 2 studs that way. It may be code compliant, minus the cables not being supported within 12" but it sure looks like one of the ugliest installations I've ever seen.

 

[tonype]

Is that a fire place behind the panel?

No - just the outside wall (fireplace is about 10' to 15' to the right.

 

[tonype]

Actually it's the other way around. The plumber used the stud to support his pipe. :grin:

Rob:

You are correct

 

[acrwc10]

I definitely agree that it's not good work. I would never use 2 studs off the wall like that. I would simply nail a peice of plywood to the block wall and mount the panel to that. And at least for me that would be easier to do than put up 2 studs that way. It may be code compliant, minus the cables not being supported within 12" but it sure looks like one of the ugliest installations I've ever seen.

Hang around a little longer and you will think that isn't even close to one of the ugliest installs ever. It looks cheesy, but it is (almost) compliant. I saw one not to long ago where the panel cover was lost by the installer ( not an electrician) and it was live and in use for 3 years with a house full of kids and no cover.