panel retrofits using standard components

[Coppersmith]

I'm contemplating doing panel retrofits (using the existing enclosure with new guts and cover). I know Eaton (and probably others) make retrofit kits. I assume these are listed for this purpose. I'm wondering if it is code legal to use the guts and panel cover of off-the-shelf load center kits if I can find ones that are a close match in enclosure size?

In this thread http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=181856. I found:

To the code a panelboard is the bus bars and such that hold the breakers or fuses and the rules are found in article 408.

Panelboards are installed in cabinets which are covered by article 312.

But he doesn't specifically say if I can just drop any guts into an enclosure.

Secondly, The holes for the panel covers screws are unlikely to line up. Am I allowed to drill new holes in the panel cover?

 

[Little Bill]

I'm contemplating doing panel retrofits (using the existing enclosure with new guts and cover). I know Eaton (and probably others) make retrofit kits. I assume these are listed for this purpose. I'm wondering if it is code legal to use the guts and panel cover of off-the-shelf load center kits if I can find ones that are a close match in enclosure size?

In this thread http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=181856. I found:


But he doesn't specifically say if I can just drop any guts into an enclosure.

Secondly, The holes for the panel covers screws are unlikely to line up. Am I allowed to drill new holes in the panel cover?

I've done this many times when it would be difficult to change the panel in a timely manner.
Passed inspection every time. Just make sure the cover lines up to hold the breakers.

BTW, don't drill new holes in the cover, drill what holes you need in the cabinet. I've found that often the center screws will line up and only have to drill the top and bottom. Regardless if any line up or not you can drill new holes in the cabinet lip to align the cover.

 

[danbel57]

Interior retrofits

Interior retrofits

I've done this many times when it would be difficult to change the panel in a timely manner.
Passed inspection every time. Just make sure the cover lines up to hold the breakers.

BTW, don't drill new holes in the cover, drill what holes you need in the cabinet. I've found that often the center screws will line up and only have to drill the top and bottom. Regardless if any line up or not you can drill new holes in the cabinet lip to align the cover.

I've also done quite a few retrofits because of time restraints or because the tub was impractical to remove. However, the installer should be mindful of the wire bending requirements of article 312. Some older enclosures are no longer large enough to accept the same size interior.