Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Electrical & Lighting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105)
-   -   Need to change panel box location in service upgrade because old one has only inches to I (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=280990)

  • Nov 14, 2008, 04:41 PM
    jam1
    Need to change panel box location in service upgrade because old one has only inches to I
    4 electricians gave estimates to upgrade a service box from 100 to 200 amps. Only one felt that the new panel should definitely be moved because the old one is smaller and sits up against the gas meter piping on one side and the corner of the garage on the other, leaving only inches around the panel. He felt it might be a matter of code violation for the inspector. The others said no it would not be a violation because the code of 3 feet (which they all seemd to interprete differently (three total feet or three feet on each side?)) only applied to new construction. An upgrade could go back into the same place. One of the other electricians felt that it would be more convienet to run new wire to the panel in the new open space and it was a judgement call,but not as a matter of code, but because it might be a better location. Since it is going to make a different of almost 300 dollars to move the box, I want to find out more to see if it is worth it. Does anyone know the code refernece in the 2008 nec? Should I spend that extra money to better locate a panel that the original builder did not put in the best spot even if code does not require it?


    Thanks
  • Nov 14, 2008, 04:50 PM
    donf

    Did any of these electricians mention that you need to contact the power company before moving the panel?
  • Nov 14, 2008, 08:42 PM
    Washington1

    Normally the EC contacts the POCO. No need for the HO to do anything, accept let them do their job.

    If you have an EC selected, then consult with the EC.
  • Nov 14, 2008, 09:04 PM
    stanfortyman
    How can they interpret this differently? It is VERY clear.

    30" (NOT 36") side to side total, NOT 30" on each side. The panel also DOES NOT need to be centered in this 30" space.
    36" in front of the panel.
    6'-6" height .
  • Nov 15, 2008, 01:02 AM
    Washington1

    Quote:

    6'-6" height
    6 fT 7" :)
  • Nov 15, 2008, 04:59 AM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Washington1 View Post
    6 fT 7" :)

    No, 6'-7" is the maximum height of a breaker handle.
    6'-6" is the minimum working clearance headroom. :)
    See NEC 110.26(E)
  • Nov 15, 2008, 10:03 AM
    Washington1
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    No, 6'-7" is the maximum height of a breaker handle.
    6'-6" is the minimum working clearance headroom. :)
    See NEC 110.26(E)

    I'm well aware of the heights!! I should have read the thread. I assumed you was talking about handle height!
    Sorry!! Are we still friends!:D:cool::p
  • Nov 15, 2008, 12:08 PM
    stanfortyman
    No. Because of this you are now my arch enemy! :eek:









    :cool:
    :p

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:48 AM.