space requirements in front of panel

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cwhitson

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On a house I know you need 30" width and 3' in front of a panel. I'm doing a remodel and the panel is above a concrete wall. The contractor wants to fur out wall to 2/6 below panel and put plumbing pipe on the floor in the wall. I think this is a violation. If it is a violation can the wall still go below the panel with nothing in it other than wires.
 
I am having trouble understanding your question. How can a panel be above a wall, since that is where the ceiling goes? And what does 2/6 mean? And how can a pipe be both "on a floor" and "in a wall"? Can I just ask you to rephrase the question?

Welcome to the forum.
 
The panel is about 4 feet off floor in 2"x4" wall. There is concrete below with no framing. 2/6 is 2"x6" framing. The pipe would be in the wall close to the floor. Thanks
 
You are correct. The required working space extends from the floor to the required headroom. A 2x6 "wall" enclosing piping the extends beyond the panel would be a violation.
 
Think of it this way (I don't remember which forum member to credit with this notion): You have to be able to take the cardboard box that once contained a refrigerator and place it in front of the panel, and it has to touch the front surface of the panel cover. If there is an electrical component above or below the panel, it can extend no more than 6 inches in front of the panel cover. A wall that has wires inside it would not count as an electrical component. Refer to 110.216(A)(3).
 
As far as the refrigerator box, this would not work because the panel cover would be 5 1/2" in from the lower wall. I have read 110-26 and it does not specify a wall being fured out below panel. Also there will be no electrical equiptment in that space, just wires running in wall.
 
cwhitson said:
As far as the refrigerator box, this would not work because the panel cover would be 5 1/2" in from the lower wall. I have read 110-26 and it does not specify a wall being fured out below panel. Also there will be no electrical equiptment in that space, just wires running in wall.
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So it sounds like you have a violation of 110.26(A)(3).

Chris
 
cwhitson said:
As far as the refrigerator box, this would not work because the panel cover would be 5 1/2" in from the lower wall. I have read 110-26 and it does not specify a wall being fured out below panel. Also there will be no electrical equiptment in that space, just wires running in wall.
Click to expand...

You appear to have answered your question. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade,floor,or the platform to the height required by 110.26(e).
 
Because its an existing panel and meter is recessed with a nipple going into side of panel. It would be alot more work.
 
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