Sub-panel fire hazzard ?

[titan1021]

I am just curious if anyone has had any real world experience with fires caused by a sub-panel in a clothes closet. I know this is prohibited by the code, However, it just seems very unlikely that an actual fire would start, especially with modern breakers under normal conditions. I've seen breakers trip and arc under many different conditions, but haven't seen anything that I thought could actually set fire to something nearby.

 

[Minuteman]

One of our best GC's specializes in insurance claims. I have seen several panel fires, and some of those where in closets. The GC and I bid the repairs, but just like everything else, we don't get all those we bid on. So many times I am not told just how the fire started.

Fact is, a closet without working space clearance that has combustibles (like clothing) up against it is dangerous.

 

[haskindm]

I once worked on a job where the POCO high voltage wires came in contact with the secondary wiring to the house. There was allot of smoke damage around the panel and burn marks in the carpet form the molten metal that flew out of the panel. No fire resulted. If this panel had been in a closet with clothes hanging in front of it, I believe a fire would have been likely. Under NORMAL circumstances, I believe a fire would be unlikely, but we also need to account for abnormal circumstances.

 

[petersonra]

I once worked on a job where the POCO high voltage wires came in contact with the secondary wiring to the house. There was allot of smoke damage around the panel and burn marks in the carpet form the molten metal that flew out of the panel. No fire resulted. If this panel had been in a closet with clothes hanging in front of it, I believe a fire would have been likely. Under NORMAL circumstances, I believe a fire would be unlikely, but we also need to account for abnormal circumstances.

No where in the code does it say that. The code just recognizes certain hazards that might exist from certain practices and prohibits them.

Putting the PB in a clothes closet is just one of them. no way an average HO is going to not put clothes in front of the PB if it is in a clothes closet.

 

[wireman71]

If your panel is arcing and sparking on it's own you better check it out.. Personaly I see nothing hazardous about putting it in a closet vs a garage vs a hallway vs a room. All have combustibles.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

No where in the code does it say that. The code just recognizes certain hazards that might exist from certain practices and prohibits them.

Putting the PB in a clothes closet is just one of them. no way an average HO is going to not put clothes in front of the PB if it is in a clothes closet.

Right. Much better to put the panel in the garage or basement, where the Minwax, oily rags, old paint, dropcloths, and "good junk" is stored. :grin:

Would anyone venture to guess when a dedicated "electrical closet" will be required in residential?

 

[brian john]

I have been involved with several panel fires, though most were 480/277, only one was 208/120. The 480/277 were blow up, which lead to a fire. One carpenter threw water on a hot panel to cool it down after he removed the cover to see why it smelled like burnt rubber.

 

[LarryFine]

One carpenter threw water on a hot panel to cool it down after he removed the cover to see why it smelled like burnt rubber.

"Well, heck, water works on my fires!"

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

I have been involved with several panel fires, though most were 480/277, only one was 208/120. The 480/277 were blow up, which lead to a fire. One carpenter threw water on a hot panel to cool it down after he removed the cover to see why it smelled like burnt rubber.

That's why we call 'em car paint ers