Good morning all, I'm in a safety class at Lackland AFB, the question in class is "Should the panels located in the hallways be locked, and if so, who should have access?" The question comes from, if a blank is left out, there is a potential for someone to stick a finger in and be exposed to live parts. I said lock the panel and have qualified people to have access to the panel. My instructor says that the panel has to remain unlocked. What's the good scoop on this and the ref. Thanks in advance for replies.
panel locks
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charlie
Senior Member
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- Indianapolis
Re: panel locks
The NEC is a permissive document. In other words, if it doesn't say you can't, then you can. There are no requirements to lock a panelboard cover, in fact, there are panelboards that are made without covers.
What you are bringing up is a maintenance issue and quality of workmanship. The Code requires all openings to be closed. There is a question as to whether or not the blanks are required in the panelboard cover and that is addressed in the 2005 edition.
To answer you question directly, it is up to you. If you want the panelboards locked, lock them. If you want them unlocked, leave them unlocked.
The NEC is a permissive document. In other words, if it doesn't say you can't, then you can. There are no requirements to lock a panelboard cover, in fact, there are panelboards that are made without covers.
What you are bringing up is a maintenance issue and quality of workmanship. The Code requires all openings to be closed. There is a question as to whether or not the blanks are required in the panelboard cover and that is addressed in the 2005 edition.
To answer you question directly, it is up to you. If you want the panelboards locked, lock them. If you want them unlocked, leave them unlocked.
Re: panel locks
What is the application? If you're talking about a Multi Family Dwelling, the tennant must have access, (with some exceptions) if this situation is in say a Hospital, the panels must be locked for obvious reasons and the maintenance personell would have access.
Roger
What is the application? If you're talking about a Multi Family Dwelling, the tennant must have access, (with some exceptions) if this situation is in say a Hospital, the panels must be locked for obvious reasons and the maintenance personell would have access.
Roger
charlie
Senior Member
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- Indianapolis
Re: panel locks
A word of caution, Roger is correct also, don't discount his answer. Don't just take the first answer you see from here, we have some very sharp people like Roger who will think about something the someone else didn't think about.
We would also like you to come back and stay involved. By the way, what is your rank? I was an E4 when is got out of the Air Force (I had the misfortune of being in a frozen career field).
A word of caution, Roger is correct also, don't discount his answer. Don't just take the first answer you see from here, we have some very sharp people like Roger who will think about something the someone else didn't think about.
We would also like you to come back and stay involved. By the way, what is your rank? I was an E4 when is got out of the Air Force (I had the misfortune of being in a frozen career field).
Re: panel locks
My name is Ron, I'm SSgt/E5. I've been reading and learning alot from this forum from the beginning. Charlie, you're absolutely right about the amout of knowledge in this forum. I've referenced alot of people to this forum. I'm sure lives and property haved been saved from the information passed. I've also been studying for my Master's, I have the Mike Holt course and the Tom Henry course, plus all I've learned from this forum. Thanks for all the help
Ron Footer
My name is Ron, I'm SSgt/E5. I've been reading and learning alot from this forum from the beginning. Charlie, you're absolutely right about the amout of knowledge in this forum. I've referenced alot of people to this forum. I'm sure lives and property haved been saved from the information passed. I've also been studying for my Master's, I have the Mike Holt course and the Tom Henry course, plus all I've learned from this forum. Thanks for all the help
Ron Footer
charlie
Senior Member
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- Indianapolis
Re: panel locks
Ron, we are glad to have you.
Ron, we are glad to have you.
ryan_618
Senior Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: panel locks
110.26 addresses locks, and states that enclosures with lock and key are accessible to qualified persons. I say lock 'em all if it makes you sleep better
110.26 addresses locks, and states that enclosures with lock and key are accessible to qualified persons. I say lock 'em all if it makes you sleep better
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