panel height

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101010

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I am doing a comercial coffee store. Inspector stated that the electrical panel can be no higher than 48" to the top breaker. Said it must be barrier free. What does this mean ? Is this a new ada code. I am surprised been doing commercial for over 20 years and never heard that or been flaged for that. Thanks in advance
 
Take a look at 240.24 ad 110.26. Those should be basic guidelines
(the 48" sounds like a misunderstanding)
 
Sounds like he's thinking about an ADA rule.

Roger
 
101010 said:
Inspector states new ada?
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With that being the case, you will probably have to check with your building department to see what is actually adopted and how they are trying to apply and enforce it.

Sounds bogus to me, but that won't help you.

Roger
 
There is only one location in the NEC where we find a minimum height for a overcurrent device, in Art 550. There is a maximum height of 6 ft 8 in to the center of the operating handle in the on position.
 
Just spoke to inspector he said its a ansi code #117. He told me any commercial job where the panel is in a handicapped acessible area the top breaker must be below 48". I dont really understand it, also wouldnt the whole room then have to be ada? The room is only 6 feet wide and has ice makers etc. Dont you need 60" turn around for the wheelchair. Sorry just venting
 
Ansi 117 requires that operable parts Lighting controls, switchs, t/ststs/ security, intercom recpt,s) be mounted max 48" but no where does it mention electrical distrubition panels.
 
I agree that this is a misapplication of ANSI 117 - Accessiblity Standards. The general control items such as switches and receptacles would be covered, but equipment such as the panelboard would not since these are not typically required to be accessible except by qualified electricians. What would happen if the electrician is wheel chiar bound? Cross that bridge if you get to it.
 
With all that said he was quite adamant about it ,so I am going to lower it as he requested. He 's not budging.
 
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tom baker said:
There is only one location in the NEC where we find a minimum height for a overcurrent device, in Art 550. There is a maximum height of 6 ft 8 in to the center of the operating handle in the on position.
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Tom isn't it 6 ft 7 in to the center per section 404.8 (A)?:smile:
 
In NECA 1-200, standard for good workmanship in electrical construction, says this only applies for residential ADAG compliance. Commercial is 6'7" AFF to center of operating handle of highest overcurrent protective device.
 
NJ , He says its an ansi code. I asked him what if the panel is bigger than 4' he said then you do the best you can. Also that if it was in a basement you would not have to be ada compliant
 
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mpd said:
if you put a locking panel cover on, it would not need to be handicap accessible
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I like this solution and have used it before in other situations.

hillbilly1 said:
In NECA 1-200, standard for good workmanship in electrical construction, says this only applies for residential ADAG compliance. Commercial is 6'7" AFF to center of operating handle of highest overcurrent protective device.
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The company I work for has a high rise apartment project and the handicapped units had lower breaker panels, lower light switches, different bathroom floor-plan, and higher recepts. Also, instead of combo microwave/venthood, a standard venthood with switch at counter hight and under-cabinet microwave further down. Do not ask me why the handicapped person cannot stand up to turn on the venthood, yet can stand up to turn on the microwave.
 
101010 said:
NJ , He says its an ansi code. I asked him what if the panel is bigger than 4' he said then you do the best you can. Also that if it was in a basement you would not have to be ada compliant
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What kind of building was this in?
 
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