Panel in utility closet

[artec]

We are working on an apartment building with 8-units. The building does not have a basement. We have a separate electrical room for meter stacks and service disconnect for all apartments. The owner decided to build a utility room to house the electrical sub-panel in each apartment. The electrical inspector says that the panel cannot be placed in any closet even if designated as a utility closet (a separate coat closet is also provided in the apartment).

I cannot find any articles that prohibit the location of panels in the closet except for clothes closets or closets with easily ignitible materials. HELP!!!

 

[pierre]

Re: Panel in utility closet

240.24(D) States that overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitible materials.
Is there the chance this closet may store something of this nature? That may be what he is hanging his hat on.

Pierre

 

[earlydean]

Re: Panel in utility closet

All I could find is this:

240.24 Location in or on Premises.(D) Not in the Vicinity of Easily Ignitable Material. Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material, such as in clothes closets.

Seems to me that if the closet in question is not a clothes closet, nor does it look like it could be used as a clothes closet, that the inspector is off base.

Earl

 

[karl riley]

Re: Panel in utility closet

The only thing to add is that the proper clearances be maintained in the closet (36" in front, etc). How you keep a homeowner from loading it up with flammable junk is another question, since they will.

This is a problem in schools, where the panels are in the Janitor's "closet" and usually piled up with mops, unused desks, cardboard boxes, etc., etc.

Karl

 

[steve66]

Re: Panel in utility closet

It seems silly, but why not try calling it a "Utility Room".

Steve

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Panel in utility closet

Another misinformed inspector. :roll: