Services Panel Clearances

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physis

physis

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In South San Francisco there's a whole gaggle of new service upgrades where the panel is recessed into (behind) the building's surface.

How can this be code compliant?

I don't see a problem with it myself, I rather prefer it this way, it's not unsafe, but it is a violation.

And there's a new trend around here to make sure that ground clamps on unburied rods are direct burial rated. As if that matters but the clearance doesn't? :confused:
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

I'm not sure where the code violation is in changing a surface mounted to a recessed service, as long as the equipment is rated to do so.....as to using ground rod connections rated for direct burial, this has been a code requirement for quite some time.
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice that you called out 'non-buried' ground rods. Since when has THAT been permitted?

[ January 27, 2006, 04:56 PM: Message edited by: wwebb ]
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

I don't have the book with me :( .

It's in 110 somewhere I beleive.
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

That's also a good point bdarnell, the rod length. That's ok here, but the zinc screws fail. :D
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

It's 110.26(F)(2)

But now that I look at it again I'm not sure if it would apply to a panel recessed into a building.

Would the equipment be inside or outside if only the meter protrudes and the panel door opens to the outside of the building.

Edit:

By wwebb:

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice that you called out 'non-buried' ground rods. Since when has THAT been permitted?
Click to expand...
It's been common practice for existing construction around here since I can remember.

250.53(A) Rod, Pipe and Plate Electrodes. Where practicable, rod, pipe and plate electrodes shall be embedded below permanent moisture level.............

And 250.53(G) .............The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or below ground level unless the above ground end and the grounding elctrode attachment are protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10.

Edit Again: It only needs 8' in contact with soil.

[ February 01, 2006, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

Are you talking about a UL Listed semi-flush service panel, where only the "front door" sticks out of the building service?
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

No.

An surface mounted panel inside a recessed opening with a flimsy wooden door. There's a cut out for the meter a lot of times.
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

Originally posted by physis:
No.

An surface mounted panel inside a recessed opening with a flimsy wooden door. There's a cut out for the meter a lot of times.
Click to expand...
I've seen that style of installation here and there. Of the modern one's that I've seen, the wooden door is 30" wide. That makes it okay, I guess. I guess you'd call the top of that enclosed area "the structural ceiling" for purposes of the 6-1/2' minimum height rule. What I know for sure is that this style of installation is not permitted by the POCO's "rules book" in my area, so I'm not sure how they even get tapped up.
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

Originally posted by physis:


Would the equipment be inside or outside if only the meter protrudes and the panel door opens to the outside of the building.
Click to expand...
If the panel doors open to the exterior of the building, exposing it to direct weather, shouldn't it be a WP rated panelbox?
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

Originally posted by throttlebody:
Originally posted by physis:


Would the equipment be inside or outside if only the meter protrudes and the panel door opens to the outside of the building.
Click to expand...
If the panel doors open to the exterior of the building, exposing it to direct weather, shouldn't it be a WP rated panelbox?
Click to expand...
If I leave my bedroom window open in a rainstorm, the receptacle under it will get wet. Should I use a bubble cover? :D
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

Originally posted by mdshunk:
Originally posted by throttlebody:
Originally posted by physis:


Would the equipment be inside or outside if only the meter protrudes and the panel door opens to the outside of the building.
Click to expand...
If the panel doors open to the exterior of the building, exposing it to direct weather, shouldn't it be a WP rated panelbox?
Click to expand...
If I leave my bedroom window open in a rainstorm, the receptacle under it will get wet. Should I use a bubble cover? :D
Click to expand...
Only if you expect the receptacle to be used unattended (per '99 NEC). ;)
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

By throttlebody:

If the panel doors open to the exterior of the building, exposing it to direct weather, shouldn't it be a WP rated panelbox?
Click to expand...
At least most are raintight but I think it's being considered indoor and it's not necessary.

By mdshunk:

Of the modern one's that I've seen, the wooden door is 30" wide.
Click to expand...
Most of what I see are 14 1/2" wide, not thirty inches wide.
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

But it's not the weather rating I'm thinking about, it's the working clearance.
 
Re: Services Panel Clearances

(G) Rod and Pipe Electrodes. The electrode shall be installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with the soil.

It shall be driven to a depth of not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom is encountered,

are you saying your ground rods do not have to be driven?
 
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