Service Change

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Deno4

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Sarasota , Florida
Hi,
we have a service change job , 150A zinsco replacement with a new one , overhead service /meter / house panel outside.
We dont change mast and meter , only panel.
A year ago we installed a NEW outdoor service and we had to enter the panel through the bottom of the box because according to local inspector we could not use the back of the panel any more. / probably 2014 NEC is adopted here./ We had to build a plywood box under it and stucco it.
But this is an existing house , wires are way too short to go under and no way to splice them , how?
Inside is the living room , we can not damage wall there.
Mount a big box over it? Than again , we have to enter it through the bottom and leave through bottom too plus we need a protective box for wires . How this would look like , how can we explain to the owner no other house in the state of Florida has this unique feature?
Not to mention ALL home runs in a house spliced?
And if this was not enough if Im not mistaken we can not even mount breaker boxes straight on walls , there must be a space between back of panel and wall.
So what can be done here?
 
A lot of this doesn't make sense.

Wires can enter the back of a panel. The only time I've heard of something remotely similar is that some power companies did not allow the service conductors to enter the backside of a meterbase, and some meterbases even had a sticker in them stating so. But it's been a long time since I've heard of such a thing and it was more prevalent when the power companies were supplying the meterbase at least around here.

Now something that could be debated is how one would fasten the wires to the back of panel as there are next to none 1/2" KO's for connectors or could one use the same rule that allows a 2" pvc stub to run the NM-B's through as long as they are stapled within ~6" of it.

As for mounting panel on wall, if it's on the exterior you most likely would need a 3R panel. Instead of an indoor type (which is typically mounted between studs or on an interior wall)
 
I won't tell you how I feel about panels located outside of a house.:thumbsdown: It's only fair then that you have to jump through hoops to try and keep moisture from damaging it.

Can you understand why the inspector wants an airspace behind the panel and only KOs on the bottom used?

Would installing a 3R splice box or trough where the old panel was then a nipple into the new panel help? Still can't enter that from the back either, right? Install a splice box on the inside then hang a picture over it.:happyyes:

Better yet, move the panel inside!

-Hal
 
as far as splicing the home runs, most of those circuits have numerous connections downstream anyway. There is nothing inherently wrong with using splices.

As for options, are there any kits that would let you use the existing panel but with new lugs, bussbars, breakers, etc?
 
JFletcher said:
as far as splicing the home runs, most of those circuits have numerous connections downstream anyway. There is nothing inherently wrong with using splices.
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That is how I look at it and I have no problem with a splice in a panel. I avoid it if I can but don't worry about it if I have to.
 
8 inch deep 3R (or greater) junction box,semi flush mount it so cables enter within the wall, nipple into the bottom of your loadcenter.

Will have more seal around it to potentially leak into the home, but EI will be happy because cables aren't penetrating the wall.:roll:
 
Thanks guys.
Tried to find something in Code book prohibiting usage of back of panel , nothing came up.

Only thing I found, 408.37 references 312.3 . so we need 6mm ,/ 1/4" / airspace between back of panel and wall surface.Maybe that's the reason EI would not approve back of panel connections., bottom only.
Panel abviously outdoor type , SQD Home Line
 
That 1/4" offset from wall often times is offered by the way the panel mounts to the wall, notice how the screw holes are indented in the metal. This accomplishes that.
 
Did he cite an actual code reference?

I'm pretty familiar with Sarasota county and have seen a lot of wiring there in new construction, inspections are an absolute joke.
 
peter d said:
Did he cite an actual code reference?

I'm pretty familiar with Sarasota county and have seen a lot of wiring there in new construction, inspections are an absolute joke.
Click to expand...

no , he did not but we had to re do that panel year ago , fortunately wires were long enough and we had access from inside . Looks like we need to call Building Dep for clarification.
 
If you had to, using a myers hub should take care of your issue no matter where you come through the back.
 
GoldDigger said:
For the sake of Forum rules, I hope you can at least keep it clean. :)
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I've always kept my opinions on that subject very clean. I think one major contributing factor to avoidance of permits and inspections are these kind of rogue inspectors that make up rules as they go along. The risk of getting caught and possibly fined far outweighs the headaches and hassles of dealing with made up rules and "fighting city hall."
 
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