I am in the process of building a 14x18' additon and a 24x30' garage (the addition is between the garage and existing house).

My existing electrical panel (200 Amp), while having plenty of spaces for all of the new breakers I will need, I have decided to install a new subpanel in the garage as my main panel is at the other end of the house.

I would like to install a recessed subpanel in the garage in the common wall between the garage and additon. I would also like to install it such that I can add/change circuits in the future with a removable section of plywood or sheetrock.

Is this allowed by code since it will be in a "firewall"?

I live in Central NY where I believe we have adopted the IRC.

If I am not mistaken this IS allowed by IRC, but NOT BOCA.

Thanks

Good question, because it shows that opening the fire rated drywall of a garage will violate that rating by allowing a possible fire to enter the home.

Unfortunately , this may not be the best forum to ask your question, and I suggest you ask the same question in the Construction forum, in hopes that someone there will know for sure the answer.

The best I can find at the New York State Buidling Dept website, is a reference to their Residential Code, and where to obtain a copy, but not able to find the entire code available on the website.

Here is what I found:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/code/part1220.htm

You mention "IRC", is it IBC, for International Building Code?

No matter, always best to check with the local code, because every state and many cities modify and amend the various codes to suit various needs.

My guess is that the panel and cover will compensate for the removed drywall , and still continue to be a fire rated system. If not , then the interior of the partition will need to be layered with fire rated material so as to encapsulate the panelboard.

Again, try this question over at Construction to see if you can get a more definite answer.

Good luck!

Oh if you do, can you post back to let us know what the real answer is?

Thanks

I found some info in my "code check" ref guide to the IRC/UBC


IRC UBC
Electrical panel {not} OK in garage side of common wall n/a {709.7X)

Based on this, I think I am OK. I will however cover the plywood panel with drywall.

along the same topic I have a few other questions.

What size/type wire should I use for the 100 amp subpanel? It is approximately 70' through the basement from the main panel to the subpanel. #2 alum SER?



To further complicate matters this new additon/garage will affect other things. Refer to photo. Dashed yellow lines represent the exisitng electrical. The red and green - possible new electrical.

The house is fed UG from a pole in the front yard which is fed OH from a pole across the street. The meter/entrance is on the right side of the house.

I have an existing detached garage which will be torn down. It is fed from the house UG and the barn is fed from the old garage OH.

my questions are:

Can I (should I) splice into the UG currently feeding the old garage for the barn?

I am considering removing the pole in the front yard as it impacts the driveway and parking. I would then have to install a new entrance wire from an existing pole at the bottom left corner of the photo. Should I...
1. splice into the existing 4/0 alum,
2. install a new UG entrance to the right side of the house (green line)
3. install a new UG entrance to the new garage (red line).