panelboards in stairwells

[rnolan]

Are panelboards allowed to be installed in stairwells and corridors (path of egress)? I've come across an older building with panelboards in the stairwell, and I'm trying to determine if it violates NEC, NFPA 101 - Life Safety, or any other code.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

As long as there is the proper and required working space and equipment space about the panelboard, I think it should be okay.

I am not aware of anything in the Life Safety Code or NEC that restricts equipment in the path of egress.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

I think that one of the building codes prohibits any electrical equipment or raceways in stairwells unless that equipment serves that stairwell.
Don

 

[bphgravity]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

I checked Section 1009 "stairways and handrails" in the FBC Chapter 10 Means of Egress which should macth closely with the IBC and don't see anything referng to this issue?

 

[ryan_618]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

Originally posted by don_resqcapt19:
I think that one of the building codes prohibits any electrical equipment or raceways in stairwells unless that equipment serves that stairwell.
Don

That is sort true, if the stairway is a rated enclosure (many are not).

 

[ryan_618]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

There was a proposal to prohibit this practice in the 2002(???) cycle. Creighton Schwann proposed it to section 110.26, but evidently panel 1 considers this to be a safe installation practice

 

[ryan_618]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

Here it is: (From the 2005 ROP)

1-199 Log #159 NEC-P01
(110-26(A))
Final Action: Reject
Submitter: W. Creighton Schwan Hayward, CA
Recommendation:
Add to (A), starting in line 7:
The grade, floor or platform of the working space shall be horizontal, flat, and level, except where necessarily sloped to drain, and
smooth without projection or indentation.
Substantiation:
This change will provide a specific requirement to correct these conditions observed in the field:
1. Panel boards and toggle switches in stairway walls.
2. Outdoor disconnects where the grade slopes away at such an angle or is so rocky that the working space is there, but safe footing is
not possible. This is a safety issue. Working is unsafe where the footing is not level.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement:
The proposed requirement is too restrictive. The submitter notes that it would preclude a toggle switch in a stairway wall. There is no
justification for such a broad restriction. Qualified persons routinely work safely from ladders or scaffolding that may be required in the
workspace.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Affirmative: 12

 

[ed downey]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

I have not updated the following but it was in BOCA at one time.

Make sure there are not any electrical items entering a stair enclosure that do not specifically feed the stair enclosure.{Per 1996 BOCA 1014.11.2}

You might try cross referencing this to your building code.

-Ed

 

[charlie]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

We turned down the proposal in Panel 10 also.

 

[iwire]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

Originally posted by charlie:
We turned down the proposal in Panel 10 also.

Would saying thank you be out of line?


No toggle switches in stairways. :roll:

Now that is a real danger. :roll:

 

[George Stolz]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

I could see prohibiting panels in stairways. Clumsy as I am, working on one leg doesn't work very well.

Trying to include toggle switches in the same category is just lunacy.

 

[charlie]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

Hey Bob - - -

 

[George Stolz]

Re: panelboards in stairwells

To which they minced it, split it four ways, arranged the words in a straight, orderly but entirely random fashion, and injected it into 210.52 with a dramatic flick of the wrist.

Can't see it? Look harder.