malachi constant
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis
Hi all,
This sounds like a straightforward "not a code violation" but figured I would ask the group anyway. Project scope includes replacing recessed panels with new (recessed) panels with more breakers, so the panel openings are being cut a little taller. For one of the recessed panels when the contractor removed it they found a water pipe directly behind the panel, mounted tight against it (or very close to it at least). They suspect it is a rain leader (or whatever they are called) from a roof drain. The new panel is a little deeper than the existing, so the new panel will have to protrude into the space a little bit. If this is a corridor I assume there are ADA concerns about items protruding into a space that will need to be addressed, but I cannot think of anything prohibiting a water pipe (or rain leader) being "tight" against the back of a panel.
My thoughts are to ask if a visual inspection of the existing panel and rain leader show any signs of water damage. If so they should consider relocating the panel (or rain leader), and if they don't want to relocate it they should make the inspector aware of the situation and give them a chance for input. If no water damage is evident then I would allow the panel to remain where located but recommend a water barrier of some kind be installed to protect against future leaks.
Sounds like the panel is recessed in a burnished block wall - meaning it's a nicer finish that will look obviously bad if they have to relocate.
Does my approach sound reasonable? Any other advice?
This sounds like a straightforward "not a code violation" but figured I would ask the group anyway. Project scope includes replacing recessed panels with new (recessed) panels with more breakers, so the panel openings are being cut a little taller. For one of the recessed panels when the contractor removed it they found a water pipe directly behind the panel, mounted tight against it (or very close to it at least). They suspect it is a rain leader (or whatever they are called) from a roof drain. The new panel is a little deeper than the existing, so the new panel will have to protrude into the space a little bit. If this is a corridor I assume there are ADA concerns about items protruding into a space that will need to be addressed, but I cannot think of anything prohibiting a water pipe (or rain leader) being "tight" against the back of a panel.
My thoughts are to ask if a visual inspection of the existing panel and rain leader show any signs of water damage. If so they should consider relocating the panel (or rain leader), and if they don't want to relocate it they should make the inspector aware of the situation and give them a chance for input. If no water damage is evident then I would allow the panel to remain where located but recommend a water barrier of some kind be installed to protect against future leaks.
Sounds like the panel is recessed in a burnished block wall - meaning it's a nicer finish that will look obviously bad if they have to relocate.
Does my approach sound reasonable? Any other advice?
