Painting of Electrical Equipment

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wjf1551

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I know that the inside of any electrical equipment is not supposed to be painted according to the NEC, 110.12 (B). Does this section also apply to the painting of the Exterior Covers of Panels and Switchboards. Recently, while doing inspections in NYC, I have found The External Covers and Screws of Panels painted which has prevented the removal of the covers without damaging the paint on the wall. I'm beginning to think that the painters were ex-military. When I was in the Bavy, if it did not move, It was painted. If this section does not apply, what section would apply?
 
wjf1551 said:
I know that the inside of any electrical equipment is not supposed to be painted according to the NEC, 110.12 (B). Does this section also apply to the painting of the Exterior Covers of Panels and Switchboards. Recently, while doing inspections in NYC, I have found The External Covers and Screws of Panels painted which has prevented the removal of the covers without damaging the paint on the wall. I'm beginning to think that the painters were ex-military. When I was in the Bavy, if it did not move, It was painted. If this section does not apply, what section would apply?
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I don't believe there is any NEC violation when painting the cover of a panel.
 
Um, yea. Gotta go with buy it the color you like. If it's that important to ya. You can even get electroplating done somewhere I'm sure.

This goes with painting wall receptacles, the cover plates, and the screws.

Nothing to stop this but intelligence.
 
I don't see any reason you can't paint the inards of electrical enclosures either, as long as you don't do anything to degrade the equipment.

Think about the touchup painting done after holes are cut to keep the inards from rusting? is that prohibited?
 
Painting of Electrical Equipment

As I posted earlier concerning this issue, Painting the Panel Cover might interfere with safe and easy access to the inside of the Panel and the paint may interfere with removal of the Panel Cover if the paint is also attached to the wall area surrounding the Panel. If the paint is also connected to the wall, would this be a violation of the NEC?
 
wjf1551 said:
As I posted earlier concerning this issue, Painting the Panel Cover might interfere with safe and easy access to the inside of the Panel and the paint may interfere with removal of the Panel Cover if the paint is also attached to the wall area surrounding the Panel. If the paint is also connected to the wall, would this be a violation of the NEC?
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No - that is what utility knives are for - I've prob. seen as many painted [to walls] covers as not on older units....taking these covers off is not an unsafe act....taking them off before you use the utility knife could be considered unsafe if you figure the missus might be hitting you with a broom for messing up her painted wall.
 
wjf1551 said:
As I posted earlier concerning this issue, Painting the Panel Cover might interfere with safe and easy access to the inside of the Panel and the paint may interfere with removal of the Panel Cover if the paint is also attached to the wall area surrounding the Panel. If the paint is also connected to the wall, would this be a violation of the NEC?
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Still don't see a violation. Had many where the slots were full of paint. Side Cutters and a flat screwdriver will remove it quickly. If the cover is painted I just run my knife around the edges to keep it from tearing. I do work in one gated community where it is part of their bylaws that any meter base and or panel mounted out side must be painted Hunter Green
 
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