Panelboard behind door 1

[WoodrowJWeen]

Is there anything in the NEC that prohibits mounting a panelboard behind a door? This is the only wall space left in a small room. With the door closed there is plenty of NEC required clearance in front of the panel. The door obviously prevents anything from being stored there. Does anybody else ever do this?

 

[davidbeach]

Perfectly good location, sometimes the only available location.

 

[alehman]

No problem.

 

[bacon4life]

Does that comply with 110.26C1? It seems like if someone was working on the panel and had a problem, the door might end up blocked due to their tools, the open panel door or their injured body.

 

[davidbeach]

Back when I was doing such things, I put panels behind door swings many, many times. Never had an inspector object nor an owner complain.

 

[EEJaime]

Although perhaps not specifically prohibited by code, we have received both plan check corrections and inspector's notices requiring us not to locate panels behind door swings. These are from DSA, (schools); and OSHPD, (hospitals), here in California. Their logic is that if someone is working on a panelboard behind a closed door, someone opening that door would put the workman at risk. I would recommend getting a read from your AHJ.

 

[itsmoked]

Yes check with the AHJ. We had one in a new building behind a door in a tiled shower!! You could touch it will standing in the water stream..

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[rob46]

1. Provide a doorstop to prevent door knob hitting the panel.
2. Provide a door sign to read "Open slowly!".

 

[EEJaime]

3. Provide pocket type door to slide into wall away from panel.
4. Provide door with glass viewing panel.
There are many possible fixes, I'd still get the AHJ's input.

 

[DonPhillips]

A typical, 120/240V or 102/208V panel I would be less concerned about. If the panel were 277/480V, I would probably flag that on plan review.


Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[alehman]

Don, on what basis? Why would 277/480 be less desirable behind a door?

That sort of "flagging" on a plan review of items that do not agree with personal preferences of the reviewer but do not violate the code cost a lot of time and money.

 

[DonPhillips]

I would list on the plan review letter a reference to NEC 110.26, specifically 110.26(C)(1).


Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[alehman]

Obviously as a plan reviewer you are free to interpret the code as you think appropriate. Frankly, I don't think that would survive an appeal unless there are other circumstances (like Keith's shower). Physical protection from likely sources of damage, such as doorknobs, is also a must.

How do you feel about panels in shallow closets where the closet door must be open to provide the required working clearance?

 

[DonPhillips]

I do not see the closet as a problem, since the person is in the means of egress.



Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[BJC]

Goldern rule works good here. Would you want to working on that panel?? 120 volts can get pretty nasty if you have a screwdrive in the panel to change a breaker and some yahoo barges trough the door and your screwdriver goes on to the bus.
Code or no code it's a no brainer for me.

 

[stevenal]

Closets are used for storage, so the clear space rule is violated as soon as the first broom goes in. A "closet like" door may be acceptable if properly posted so no storage takes place.