Panel Relocation

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jlcct

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E1
Hi guys, quick question. If I relocate a panel by more than 6' I have to bring the branch circuits up to code. But if I'm just replacing the panel then I don't have to install a bunch of AFCI's and do all the necessary troubleshooting that goes along with that etc. But how about building codes? I have to upgrade a service and the existing and only MDP is in a first floor bedroom. The entire 1st floor was turned into an inlaw apartment. The job was permitted and inspected at the time. The inspector is saying that the second I upgrade their service the panel has to be relocated because the homeowner could move out and rent out the upstairs and they wouldn't have access to the MDP. Does the upgrade not trigger electrical code but it does trigger building code?
 
Welcome to the forum.

A tenant need not have ready access if "management" is always available.

Also, the building may or may not meet the legal definition of a duplex.
 
Just to nitpick, the AFCI requirement is triggered when branch circuits are extended by more than 6’. That may or may not be exceeded by moving the panel a given distance. And it may depend on how picky the inspector is.
 
retirede said:
Just to nitpick, the AFCI requirement is triggered when branch circuits are extended by more than 6’. That may or may not be exceeded by moving the panel a given distance.
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Are you saying that if you move the panel 10', but all the branch circuits end up 10' shorter, then that meets the exception to 210.12(D)? I.e. you've extended the circuit -10', and -10 < 6?

Cheers, Wayne
 
wwhitney said:
Are you saying that if you move the panel 10', but all the branch circuits end up 10' shorter, then that meets the exception to 210.12(D)? I.e. you've extended the circuit -10', and -10 < 6?

Cheers, Wayne
Click to expand...

No, what I meant to say was you may only need to move the panel 5’, but because of some obstacle, you have to route the wire in an indirect route, maybe 10’ or so. AFCIs required even if the panel is only 5’ from the original location.

From a practical standpoint, I can’t imagine a scenario where you could move the panel more than 6’ without extending the circuits at least as Mach.
 
A lot depends on the AHJ. Was going to relocate a panel out of a kitchen to outside the back of the house and the town issued the permit and said no AFCI upgrades necessary. Shortly after they decided the townhouse was just too small and moved instead :)
 
jlcct said:
Hi guys, quick question. If I relocate a panel by more than 6' I have to bring the branch circuits up to code. But if I'm just replacing the panel then I don't have to install a bunch of AFCI's and do all the necessary troubleshooting that goes along with that etc. But how about building codes? I have to upgrade a service and the existing and only MDP is in a first floor bedroom. The entire 1st floor was turned into an inlaw apartment. The job was permitted and inspected at the time. The inspector is saying that the second I upgrade their service the panel has to be relocated because the homeowner could move out and rent out the upstairs and they wouldn't have access to the MDP. Does the upgrade not trigger electrical code but it does trigger building code?
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How can a inspector make "what if" requirements? Seems to me they have to inspect to the existing conditions.
 
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