NEMA TYPE 1, 200 A, 42 Ckts. enclosed by plywood and access door

[PASHTO]

These particular case I have witnessed in Afghanistan. Because getting the right material is a challenge, some electrical materials have been modified to help the client.
We have a Nema type 1 panelboard, rated for 200 Amps, 42 circuits, which has been enclosed by plywood and have an access door to operate the breakers. I personally believe this estructure does not protect the interior (busbar and breakers) from dust and rain. The plywood walls on the side of the panel extend forward about 18 inches, and above the panel goes up about 12 inches, and an Access door.
base on the definition of NEMA type 1:
( NEMA Type 1 Enclosures constructed for indoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts and to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt).

I have witnessed dust inside the Panel board, inside the busbars, and on the breakers. I have not witnessed any water or dampness inside of the panelboard because it has not rain yet. It is highly unlikely that this wooden structure will protect the Panel interiors(breakers, busbars) from falling dirt and windblown dust, sand and the ingress of water.

here we have the definitions of NEMA TYPE 3 and NEMA TYPE 3R
Type 3 Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt and windblown dust); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow); and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

Type 3R Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of wate r (rain, sleet, snow); and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

What type of structure will be considered dry structure, or indoor, where we could use Nema type 1 Panelboards? (exclude Barns, Sheds, Garages, open farm houses)


Thank you for your input,

 

[kwired]

The suitability of what is enclosing this panel is what is really being questioned isn't it?

There is no doubt the panel is enclosed and is not in a wet location, but how long will the enclosing structure last? How much maintenance will the enclosure receive to help extend its usefulness? It is hard to give a one answer fits all situations here.

3R enclosures do little for wind blown dust. If that is a problem you need NEMA 12 enclosures.

Panelboards (especially the miniature breaker series) may not always be easy to find in NEMA 12 enclosure, I have installed NEMA 1 panels inside NEMA 12 cabinets before.

 

[petersonra]

How is this any different than installing a similar PB inside a barn?

 

[kwired]

How is this any different than installing a similar PB inside a barn?

Depending on how corrosive the environment is in the barn, it may be a lot different vs. just outdoors.

 

[renosteinke]

This issue comes up often, in various forms. Let's get back to basics; make things simple, as it were.

If something is inside, it need not be suited for use outside. You can either move the 'something,' or you can move the 'inside.'

Whether it's a simple disconnect ot an entire service, building a supplemental enclosure can make it possible to use a 'lesser' enclosure. The issue might become clouded by working space / dedicated space issues, but that's another discussion.