Panel access in a multiple story structure

[Mule]

Got a job today, moving a 200 amp main panel and a sub panel from a exterior perimeter finished basement wall to a central interior finished basement room. Aproximately 60/cirft inside. We will be installing the required main outside and then rendering both panels into sub panels via four wire cable and ground kits..The HO will be relocating all of the home runs as the basement is under construction...

But my issue is... pulling future circuits will be impossible as they will be un-accessible after everthing is sheetrocked.

I've never heard of any code requirements to provide access or chase's for future circuits. Is there such a thing? If not I think there should be...I know of one EC in town that installs a empty 1" pvc chase up into the attic on every new resi wire...Im going to suggest that HO has us put one in to a more accesible location.

 

[LarryFine]

No requirement; good idea.

 

[ohm]

Got a job today, moving a 200 amp main panel and a sub panel from a exterior perimeter finished basement wall to a central interior finished basement room. Aproximately 60/cirft inside. We will be installing the required main outside and then rendering both panels into sub panels via four wire cable and ground kits..The HO will be relocating all of the home runs as the basement is under construction...

But my issue is... pulling future circuits will be impossible as they will be un-accessible after everthing is sheetrocked.

I've never heard of any code requirements to provide access or chase's for future circuits. Is there such a thing? If not I think there should be...I know of one EC in town that installs a empty 1" pvc chase up into the attic on every new resi wire...Im going to suggest that HO has us put one in to a more accesible location.

I try to install at least a 2" from the basement to the attic in these cases...and they always get used.

 

[Mule]

I try to install at least a 2" from the basement to the attic in these cases...and they always get used.

Now someone will be hollering saying you cant put that nmb in the pvc chase.. Then you strip off the insulation and they would say, those are not rated conductors....:wink:

 

[quogueelectric]

This will become a larger issue in 2008. It is rediculus in my opinion.

 

[iwire]

This will become a larger issue in 2008. It is rediculus in my opinion.

What will be a larger issue?

 

[iwire]

Now someone will be hollering saying you cant put that nmb in the pvc chase..

You can run NM in any raceway:smile:

 

[chris kennedy]

You can run NM in any raceway:smile:

Inside.:smile:

Also 90.8(A) suggests you make arrangements for the future. FWIW, here is some HB commentary.

Where electrical and communications distribution equipment is installed so that easy access cannot be achieved, a spare raceway(s) or pull line(s) should be run at the initial installation, as illustrated in Exhibit 90.2.

 

[infinity]

I try to install at least a 2" from the basement to the attic in these cases...and they always get used.

That's always a good idea.

In this case a few smaller conduits directly into the panel would be better solution since the panel in the basement will be unaccessible for future installations.

 

[iwire]

Inside.:smile:

So are you saying I can run NM inside conduit inside a car wash?


Lets not nit pick, it is no fun. :smile:

 

[Mule]

Its so easy to get folks stirred up..works every time..

 

[iwire]

Its so easy to get folks stirred up..works every time..

You ever hear the phrase 'People who live in glass houses shouldn?t throw stones'?

 

[Mule]

You ever hear the phrase 'People who live in glass houses shouldn?t throw stones'?

In truth, I really blows me away how intricant and complex the nec has gotten over the last 10-15 years....seems like the code continuely gets worse trying to justify itself.