Painting Inside Interior Panels

[Tiger Electrical]

The other panel-painting thread brought up an issue I have occasionally. Often ECs don't use duct seal on service conduits and the outside cold air meeting interior warm air creates condensation and corrosion/rust inside the panel. Can the inside of the panel be painted, and with what?

Dave

 

[nakulak]

specifically not allowed by 110.12 C (I would assume if manufacturer specifically allowed it then it would be allowed ?)

 

[iwire]

specifically not allowed by 110.12 C (I would assume if manufacturer specifically allowed it then it would be allowed ?)

I disagree.

110.12(C) prohibits painting the bus but I do not see it as prohibiting painting the inside of the enclosure.

That said, it seems to me that if the inside of the enclosure is damaged by the moist air the other things like the breakers, fuses, busses are also in questionable shape.

 

[Tiger Electrical]

Thanks nakulak. I guess a wipe with a clean cloth or replacement of the box is the only code-compliant choice. Thanks iwire. I'm assuming this falls under "other surfaces". It would be a little clearer if it said "all other surfaces" or "all electrical surfaces".

Dave

 

[Rockyd]

One of "my friends".​

 

[petersonra]

(C) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections.
Internal parts of electrical equipment, including busbars,
wiring terminals, insulators, and other surfaces, shall not be
damaged or contaminated by foreign materials such as
paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or corrosive residues.

I agree with Mr. Iwire.

Nothing in this paragraph prevents you from painting the inside of a panel board. painting the sheet metal does not damage or contaminate it.

I also agree if it gets moist enough to damage the sheet metal enclosure, that likely you will have other problems as well.