Panels

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wayne100

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This is obviously not the right place to ask questions but it's the only place I could find, it's easier to navigate the Dismal Swamp.

Is there a chapter and article in the NEC that specifically covers panel heights. Never ran into this before but the contractor on this job is setting all the panels 60" above the finished floor, it's being done according to the spec's but I believe it's a typo and they intended to read 6'0" not 60".

Can someone please shine a little light on this subject.
 
iwire

iwire

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Location
Massachusetts
Re: Panels

You can mount the panel enclosure as low or as high as you want.

The limiting factor is the maximum height a switch can be is 6'-7"

404.8 Accessibility and Grouping.
(A) Location. All switches and circuit breakers used as switches shall be located so that they may be operated from a readily accessible place. They shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform.
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There are exceptions to this and you should take a look.
 
roger

roger

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Fl
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Retired Electrician
Re: Panels

Jim,
I am of belief that any and all breakers must meet 6ft 7 in.
other than the exceptions
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why?

I'd hate to have to duck under busway and it's componets all the time, or need to come down a ladder in order to jog a motor I might be servicing that is installed at a height of say 20' AFF.

Roger

[ December 28, 2003, 04:16 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
B

bennie

Esteemed Member
Re: Panels

How does the scope of Switchboards and Panelboards, 480.1 figure in the limitation of elevation?
 
B

bennie

Esteemed Member
Re: Panels

Does the height for switches apply to all switches or just the ones in panelboards?
 
iwire

iwire

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Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: Panels

Yes except for some exceptions.

Exception No. 1: On busway installations, fused switches and circuit breakers shall be permitted to be located at the same level as the busway. Suitable means shall be provided to operate the handle of the device from the floor.

Exception No. 2: Switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances, or other equipment that they supply shall be permitted to be located higher than specified in the foregoing and to be accessible by portable means.

Exception No. 3: Hookstick operable isolating switches shall be permitted at greater heights.
Click to expand...
 
iwire

iwire

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Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: Panels

Originally posted by pchglancy:
the highest the panel can be is 6 1 to the top of the main breaker
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Is 6'-1" a typo or do you use a different code than the NEC, 6'-7" is the number, equal to 2 meters.
 
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