Sub panel in crawl space

Archive Public Archive
1

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Are you allowed to place sub panels in the crawl space?

–
Joe Myers


A & N Inspections, Inc.


http://anii.biz

2

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I don’t believe that access to a panel in a crawl space could be considered “readily accessible.” Nor could the proper working space clearance requirements be maintained. I vote NO.

–
Jeff Pope


JPI Home Inspection Service


“At JPI, we’ll help you look better”


(661) 212-0738

3

Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Hey Joe,


I would agree with Jeff's assesment, unless it was unusually high and have very good access.

I have only ever seen 1 that I thought was OK as the "crawl" was 6 ft high and had a full bulkhead door.

Regards

Gerry

--
Gerry Beaumont
NACHI Education Committee
e-mail : education@nachi.org
NACHI phone 484-429-5466

Inspection Depot Education
gbeaumont@inspectiondepot.com

"Education is a journey, not a destination"

4

Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Seems to me if the area is 6 feet high, it wouldn’t be a “crawlspace”


–it would be a “bend-over-and-walk-like-a-duck space”

–
“not just an inspection, but an education”

5

Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Yeah Jae,


reminds me of the time Dave Bush called to ask me some advise about an 8 ft high crawl space with concrete carpeted floor, wall panneling and a dropped ceiling ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

Full basements are pretty rare in his part of the world, that was too funny ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif) ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

regards

Gerry

--
Gerry Beaumont
NACHI Education Committee
e-mail : education@nachi.org
NACHI phone 484-429-5466

Inspection Depot Education
gbeaumont@inspectiondepot.com

"Education is a journey, not a destination"

6

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Ok, here it is…


Article 110.26(E) States the 6 and 1/2 feet requirement that Jeff P. speaks of....

I agree with that....don't think you could argue that at all.

Under that however, there is an exception which Jeff P. did not mention.

It states:

Exception: In existing dwelling units, service equipment or panelboards that do not exceed 200 amperes shall be permitted in spaces where the headroom is less than 2.0 m (6 and 1/2 feet)

I personally believe the intent of that exception would allow panels to be installed in basements which don't meet the 6 and 1/2 feet rule. However, whether inadvertant or not, it would allow the sub panel to be installed in the crawl space assuming the remainder of the code was followed.

What are your thoughts?

--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

7

Originally Posted By: dandersen
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Sounds like they are allowing sub-sub-panels, as I call them here.


Under 200 amps is a sub,sub-panel. They put them in attics as well.


I can see a panel (disconnect) in the space to handle equipment there.
I would call the code man on any "main" put there for access issues (as JPOPE indicated).

8

Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Gerry - Dave found an 8 foot high crawlspace?? Wow!! my basement


is just 8 feet high and I wouldn’t call it a crawlsp–wait a minute.


Heck, I just looked at it again - never mind.

–
“not just an inspection, but an education”

9

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


David,


As I said, it would be a sub panel, not the panel with the main dis-connect but rather what is called an equipment panel.

A sub panel in that space would be allowed to be used a dis-connect for appliances in that space which require it.

I was seeking your opinion. Are you saying that in your opinion it would not be allowed? A bad idea? Inaccessible?

--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

10

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Gerry,


Don't you just hate it when they call you up with questions about those finished crawl spaces! ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

11

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Quote:
2002 NEC, Article 100(I)

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.


Capable of being reached quickly for operation

I don't think a belly crawl through a hatch qualifies for this. . .

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
12

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jeff P,


Bingo....

Thanks Jeff! ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz