Panelboard clearance

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rose1981

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Please have a look at the attached PDF and let me know if there is a code stating that a panelboard cannot be installed behind the doors of a closet. Do you need to have 36" clearance in this case too? If the door is open, the 36" clearance requirement is met.

thanks!
 

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As long as the clearance is met with the door open you are fine assuming the panel is not in a clothes closet
 
rose1981 said:
Please have a look at the attached PDF and let me know if there is a code stating that a panelboard cannot be installed behind the doors of a closet. Do you need to have 36" clearance in this case too? If the door is open, the 36" clearance requirement is met.

thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd like to know the answer too.

Common sense tells me that this should be safe, given proper working clearence when the doors are open. However,it is my understanding that the NEC specifies that working space needs to be clear at all times and is not to be used for storage. If the door is in the closed position, could that be interpreted as using this space for storage?
 
The image posted by the OP is a very common installation.
Carultch said:
However,it is my understanding that . . .
Click to expand...
Your understanding is not quite right. Specficially,
Carultch said:
. . . the NEC specifies that working space needs to be clear at all times. . .
Click to expand...
That is not in the code.
Carultch said:
. . . and is not to be used for storage.
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That is in the code.
Carultch said:
If the door is in the closed position, could that be interpreted as using this space for storage?
Click to expand...
A door is a permanent part of the building's structure, and is therefore not "storage." Also, if the door is closed, it will not be possible for a person to do any work on the panel. So working clearance is not an issue.

 
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