Sub Panel over "a" Step ?

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Cletis

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I'd like to put a sub panel over a large step (12" wide). It's basically a hallway floor drops 1 step to next floor so a 1 step floor. She would like panel right over that step. easy to stand and work on and passes the 3x3x6 rule. Code ?
 
I don't quite follow. Is this a "step" in the sense of being a portion of a staircase? It sounds like it is not. If I am walking down a hallway, and in order to continue I need to take a step down to a lower level, and if the hallway continues from there, then perhaps it's not a "step" that would be covered by 240.24(F). My problem is that I don't understand how "12 inches wide" comes into that situation. Also, I know of no "3x3x6 rule." But it sounds like you are saying you have the necessary working clearance of 30 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 6-1/2 feet high. IF that's the case, it further confuses me that you are talking about 12" wide. Finally, where does she want the panel? Will the panel be right above the point at which the step-down is located, such that part of the panel is over the higher level floor and the other part of the panel is over the lower level floor? That I would call a violation of the article Dennis cited. Please clarify.
 
ptonsparky said:
I too do not understand your 12" wide comment. I am inclined to say that if coming up a set of steps to an area that is 3' x 3', then on up one direction or another, go for it. No part of your 30" working width being over a riser.

Disclaimer: I am not your AHJ.
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A 3'x3' landing at the top of a set of steps than one step up (12" wide) in another direction?

-Hal
 
Cletis said:
She would like panel right over that step. easy to stand and work on and passes the 3x3x6 rule. Code ?
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I think I understand why she wants it on the step, probably something along the lines of being more visually aesthetic to a long hallway, but your the professional just tell her code requires having 3 ft of solid footing below the panel for servicing stability. I'm sure if I had to work on a step I'd be thinking ... why did they put this here of all places.
 
Stairway or step, I sure would hate having to stand with one foot on each level while working on it.
 
LarryFine said:
Stairway or step, I sure would hate having to stand with one foot on each level while working on it.
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While I wholeheartedly agree with you, the code states otherwise and is lacking the unique specificity of Cletus's subpanal, IMO.
 
If it is a hall with a single level change & a typical interior panel then the maximum it needs to move horizontally would be 7" either way from the center of the panel - you may have the edge of the panel @ the edge corner of the step. 240.24 does say working platform which indicates a level flat surface. Tell your owner to get a life on such a trivial issue that could be unsafe for someone to examine live. Wait till their AFCI start tripping on kitchen appliances, this could be a lifetime job.
 
mwm1752 said:
If it is a hall with a single level change & a typical interior panel then the maximum it needs to move horizontally would be 7" either way from the center of the panel - you may have the edge of the panel @ the edge corner of the step. 240.24 does say working platform which indicates a level flat surface. Tell your owner to get a life on such a trivial issue that could be unsafe for someone to examine live. Wait till their AFCI start tripping on kitchen appliances, this could be a lifetime job.
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....240.24 states “....above the floor or working platform”, IMO, the floor is not a working platform , hence the mentioned distinction. I do agree with you that it should be one continuous, level floor space below the panels width.
 
It has been almost 36 hours and the OP has not been back to provide any clarity on the installation.
I refuse to play a 'What If' guessing game.
 
I would at least use the 30" width measurement, so that the floor under, and at least to one side of, the panel is flat.
 
jim dungar said:
It has been almost 36 hours and the OP has not been back to provide any clarity on the installation.
I refuse to play a 'What If' guessing game.
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I agree.
LarryFine said:
I would at least use the 30" width measurement, so that the floor under, and at least to one side of, the panel is flat.
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Makes perfect sense. Good place to wrap things up.
 
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