Service panel prohibited underneath a window?

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jaggedben

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Solar and Energy Storage Installer
I'm dealing with an AHJ saying that a service panel needs to be moved because it's underneath a window. (Outdoor flush mounted panel, underground service.) Is this an NEC requirement? I've never heard of this before.
 
Neither have I. Depending the code cycle, starting in 2014 and modified in 2017, there are outdoor clearance requirements, take a look at those There is no minimum height, exceptions for Art 550 and Washington.
And then ask for a code reference.
 
jaggedben said:
I'm dealing with an AHJ saying that a service panel needs to be moved because it's underneath a window. (Outdoor flush mounted panel, underground service.) Is this an NEC requirement? I've never heard of this before.
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Any photo's?
 
If the panel were outdoors and recess-mounted below a window, then it would violate 110.26(E)(2)(c). But as this one is surface-mounted, that article would not apply. I see no other reason to call it a violation.
 
There's seemingly no 110.26(E)(2)(c) in the 2014 code, which we're on here. And I seem to have misplaced my 2017 book.

I guess you could call the panel one of those 'semi-recessed' types that sits back into the wall but sticks out about an inch past the stucco and has outdoor type lids. Homeline.
 
jaggedben said:
I guess you could call the panel one of those 'semi-recessed' types that sits back into the wall but sticks out about an inch past the stucco and has outdoor type lids. Homeline.
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Sounds like it was a surface-mount box before the stucco was applied.

How do the service conductors enter?
 
jaggedben said:
Perhaps so, although semi-flush Homeline meter mains are a thing, google it.

...
I'd like to keep this focused on the window question.
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OK. Is a window really a violation of the dedicated electrical space above a panel? Part of a ventilation system? Does it really matter if there is no possible intention or reason for running wiring into the top of the panel?
For a semi-flush panel?
 
GoldDigger said:
OK. Is a window really a violation of the dedicated electrical space above a panel? Part of a ventilation system? Does it really matter if there is no possible intention or reason for running wiring into the top of the panel?
For a semi-flush panel?
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Is plumbing inside the wall above a flush panel in violation of dedicated space? Is the window associated with the electrical system?
 
charlie b said:
In the 2014 NEC, the article I cited is located at 110.26(E)(2)(b).
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I don't see how the OP's scenario violates that section. The last sentence reads "No piping or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this zone." Per the Article 100 definition of equipment, a window is not equipment.

Cheers, Wayne
 
any possibility that it is a violation on building or Life and safety codes? the only thing that comes to mind is that if you had to egress from that window, you may not be able to safely do it. shutters or windows that open outward instead of upward may be a technical reason for a workspace violation.
 
Okay, it could be helpful to me to have an informal poll on whether the window violates the dedicated space above the equipment requirement. Seems like a stretch to me, but I can sorta see why someone might say it is.

I don't see any egress requirement at issue here, and at any rate I think that would likely only apply to a bedroom.
 
I agree with Larry and Wayne that a window is not equipment and should not violate the workspace anymore than a wall would. That written, the inspector has the right to reject anything that violates the workspace. And that is if the Poco allows this installation at all.

He may be thinking like I am, that putting a service panel under a window is so dumb an idea or not standard that it must be a code violation. Unlike your inspector, I would carefully research to see if it is an actual violation, or just an installation oddity, or just plain stupid (but legal)
 
JFletcher said:
any possibility that it is a violation on building or Life and safety codes? the only thing that comes to mind is that if you had to egress from that window, you may not be able to safely do it. shutters or windows that open outward instead of upward may be a technical reason for a workspace violation.
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It might provide an additional "step" when trying to climb out the window, or back in if you are a teenager that sneaks out the window at night;)

JFletcher said:
I agree with Larry and Wayne that a window is not equipment and should not violate the workspace anymore than a wall would. That written, the inspector has the right to reject anything that violates the workspace. And that is if the Poco allows this installation at all.

He may be thinking like I am, that putting a service panel under a window is so dumb an idea or not standard that it must be a code violation. Unlike your inspector, I would carefully research to see if it is an actual violation, or just an installation oddity, or just plain stupid (but legal)
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Above the electric gear in question isn't in the required workspace. Might be considered dedicated space though, especially with flush/semiflush gear.
 
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