Originally Posted By: kelliott This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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: rbrown1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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.
Originally Posted By: mgault This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is any of the “access and workspace” code Grandfathered? 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…