Panels

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lady sparks lover

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Do you see a problem with panels located behind a door, my co-worker and my supervisor can't agree on it. My co-worker says it's a bad idea, my boss says that the space is free space, so why not use it. What do you all say? :)
 
Re: Panels

I very often have the Architect design a very shallow closet where the doors of the closet line up with the footprint of the panelboards/equipment.
So IMHO, doors that can be opened (hinged or slid) are ok for use in the working space determination.
 
Re: Panels

I think you could possibly take either side and lose. Section 110.26 of the NEC defines workspace and dedicated space. If the door is open, it is in your working space. If the door is closed, it is not. The section also defines the dedicated space and the door would definitely be an intrusion into that space.

In my opinion, behind the door is bad. This could be interpreted as being within the definition of "Readily accessible" and can not be installed behind a door. Article 100, definitions.
 
Re: Panels

Are you meaning "in a xxxroom/office/etc," in the space behind an open door? If so, I think it's a good idea.
If not, please clarify.

xxx bed, living, dining, copy, etc
NOT bath or closet.
 
Re: Panels

Originally posted by edavis2293: I think you could possibly take either side and lose.
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That is the most astute observation that I have read in a very long time. Well put! :)

My view is that the code does not prohibit having a door in front of a panel, so long as you have the required working clearance when the door is open. It then becomes a design choice, not a code issue. I would say that it is generally a bad idea. At my home, the door to the laundry room intrudes upon the working space for the main panel, when the door is open. You have to close the door to get to the panel. The thing to watch for is the possibility that a future technician (perhaps even yourself) might not be able to see a person trying to open (or close) the door while they are working on the panel.
 
Re: Panels

My understanding is that it can indeed be behind a door as long as the door can be readily closed to afford access to the panel.

The rest is as Charlie says, design consideration. I've encountered people who love the idea and people who hate it.

Pick a side, maybe your bosses would be the better one. :D
 
Re: Panels

There is no prohibition to installing a panelboard in the wall behind a door that is in the open position. The door can be closed to allow access to the workspace required. If your working on panel alive, you better lock the door shut or post someone at the door to prevent someone from opening it and shoving you into the live panel. Proposals to prohibit this type installation have been submitted in the past and failed.
 
Re: Panels

Officer, these two guys seem to be follo...... :( :D

Dedicated space though, I just noticed that. Hmm. I wonder if the space behind the door is dedicated?

Edit: I can't spell.

[ April 27, 2005, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Panels

Originally posted by john m. caloggero:
Proposals to prohibit this type installation have been submitted in the past and failed.
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Proposals to prohibit have failed. Do you recall a proposal to permit it? Panelboard placement is an issue that comes up a lot, some permissive language to clarify it would probably be welcomed. :)
 
Re: Panels

Originally posted by john m. caloggero:
If your working on panel alive, you better lock the door shut or post someone at the door to prevent someone from opening it and shoving you into the live panel.
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How is this any different than working on any other panel live? You normally would tape off an area around an open live panel to prevent passers by from getting too close anyway. how else do you protect those who are not wearing proper PPE?
 
Re: Panels

"The section also defines the dedicated space and the door would definitely be an intrusion into that space."

How so...?
 
Re: Panels

Show me a panel behind the swing of the door, and I'll show you a panel that doesn't have a bunch of crap in front of it that is blocking the working space. I think it is a good location.
 
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