Wooden door covering electric panel

Originally Posted By: kelliott
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Had a 100 amp elect panel today in partial fin basement that had a nice wooden box built around it and a door over it to camouflage it, and the door would open a little better than 45 degrees, and it hit ductwork. Couldn’t get panel cover off except to remove hinges from wooden door and even that was so tight at that angle it was nearly impossible. How would anyone else write that up?


Originally Posted By: jwilliams4
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Just about like you just did. ‘Couldn’t inspect panel’ etc…


Recommend inspection by local AHJ and check AHJ for permits.


--
"not just an inspection, but an education"

Originally Posted By: kelliott
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I’m thinking about the clearance rule- basically 3X3X6, but don’t know if that precludes a secondary cover over the panel.


Originally Posted By: rcooke
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I believe in Kiss keep it simple stupid.


No access. Wood Cover door would not open wide enough.

Move on to the next thing you do .


--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

Originally Posted By: rbrown1
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Recommendations ...............

Have a licensed electrician conduct a thorough inspection prior to purchase.

Further VERBAL comments ..................

I would be more than happy to return after you move in to inspect the panel and anything else you might want to discuss. No, we do not charge to re-visit the home, it's my pleasure.

That simple little verbal statement has brought me more work than you can imagine!


--
Bob Brown
President NACHI Du-Ka Chapter ON. Canada
NACHI Cell: 1-484-429-5465

ACISS Home Inspections
bob@aciss.biz

Certified Adult Training Services
www.certifiedadulttrainingservices.com
info@certifiedadulttrainingservices.com

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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In all cases, the work space is supposed to allow a 90 degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.



Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant


www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

Originally Posted By: kelliott
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Thanks Joe, that’s exactly what I was looking for!


Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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It gets more complicated than that. There is also a rule about the start of the working space. If this is behind a door smaller than the 6’6"high x 30" wide the frame can’t extend beyond the face of the panel. Working space starts at the face of the panel vertically and horizontally.


You can’t be working in a tunnel.


Jim Pauley says you imagine a refrigerator box (the size of the working space). You need to be able to push it up in front of the panel until it touches and completely covers the panel cover. That is working space.


Anything, above below or to the sides that stops that box is a violation. (pipes, gutters, ducts, other equipment or just plain junk)


Originally Posted By: bsmith
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Would the combustible material surrounding the panel and the fact that the cover itself is combustible be an issue?



Bill Smith


www.SmithHomeInspection.com


“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” A. Einstien

Originally Posted By: rcooke
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bsmith wrote:
Would the combustible material surrounding the panel and the fact that the cover itself is combustible be an issue?

Not that I know of . It is not a concern in Canada


--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

Originally Posted By: mcyr
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icon_smile.gif icon_smile.gif


My interpretation would be that it was not easily accessible, and the electrical code dictates that the main distribution panel should have a clearance of 3 feet in front of it and clear access from the top of the panel to the ceiling. The panel was not inspected due these reasons. I would suggest a licensed Electrician look at the condition set forth.

Marcel


Originally Posted By: mgault
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Is any of the “access and workspace” code Grandfathered? icon_question.gif I’ve seen electrical panels in condos from the mid 70’s that are to the right of a refrigerator… the fridge had to rolled out of the “hole” to access the panel…


-



-Mike


A to Z Home Inspections, LLC


www.atozhomeinspections.net

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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No! Plain and simple – it is a problem, and the access must be readily accessible.


Look at the definition in the industry standards.


--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm