painting electrical equipment

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harley1959

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Question from a contractor who wants to know if it is a violation to paint newly installed panels, disconnects, etc... that are mounted on a wall that will be in public view. I think that NEC 2002 Art. 110.12(C) and 110.3(B)is valid here. Integrity of electrical equipment.
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

110/12(C) would only apply if you painted the equipment inside of the panel. As long as you can still open the cover and operater any external handles there is no problem in painting the exterior of electrical equipment.
Don
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

Be sure to not paint over the labels or identification plates.

Other than that painting the exterior would not normally affect the integrity of the device any worse than by punching a hole for a conduit entrance.
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

I would highly recommend painting exterior electrical equipment. The factory paint will not stand the test of time. I've seen lots of panels, disconects, XFMRS, etc that are rusting away after being outside for 10 years or more. Sometimes even shorter, especially when mounted in continual sunlight or close to the ground.
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

Larry, you are a fan of painting. Is there a type that sticks? The stuff they use on buildings around here looks good for a short time, and then flakes off.

I couldn't even guess at what they're using out there.
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

I'm surprised no one has said "the UL didn't test it painted with different paint, so you'll violate its listing by painting it". That excuse seems to come out a lot when modifications are made, such as modifying cords, using a cord when none was included with the equipment, etc.

I don't think it holds much weight in any of those cases, painting being the most extreme of the silly.
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

Larry, you are a fan of painting. Is there a type that sticks?
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We can get metal items power-coated locally. Not sure of the cost.

Sears now sells a power-coat tool (not sure if it is a spray gun or what) for less than $200. Saw it in a Popular Mechanics ad.

I'm guessing that a power coat would stand the test of time.


Steve
 
Re: painting electrical equipment

Originally posted by georgestolz:
Larry, you are a fan of painting. Is there a type that sticks? The stuff they use on buildings around here looks good for a short time, and then flakes off.

I couldn't even guess at what they're using out there.
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The key would be surface prep. Cleaning,sanding, primer, etc. They probably use the same stuff as on the house, right????

The reason I'm a fan of painting is the corrosion I see on older installs, but I'm no painting expert.
 
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