where to put subpanel
#1
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where to put subpanel
In the process of finishing my upstairs. Would like to put the subpanel behind the kneewall. There will be a door right there and it will be easy accessible. I know codes vary from state to state but would anyone foresee this being a issue? Having a hard time reaching my inspector. I would think it would be ok being they put panels outside of the house on new homes. Appreciate your thoughts.
#2
Would like to put the subpanel behind the kneewall. There will be a door right there and it will be easy accessible.
The general rules with panels are they cannot be in cloths closet and there must be a 30" width x 36" depth unobstructed working space from the floor up in front of the panel. You must be able to open the panel door a full 90 degrees, there must be reasonable headroom, there must be a light fixture in the vicinity which illuminates the panel, the top breaker may not exceed 6.5 feet from the floor, and the panel cannot be located where it may be subject to physical damage.
#3
Ben, I think he is talking behind the knee wall in the attic or storage area upstairs where he has a door for access from a finished room. I dont see a problem, as long as he doesnt cover up the panel with the door swing. I think the panel can be in the door swing but not unaccessible if the door is left open. Since the area behind the knee wall is accessed by a door sounds like he has got at least headroom in the panel area.
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where to put panel
Thanks for the replies. The kneewall is 4 ft tall and is in a finished room. I wanted to hid the panel and thought I could put it behind the kneewall (attic space) and put a door in the kneewall so that I can access the panel. The panel will only be a foot from the floor.
#5
I meant to say 6.5 feet of headroom. I doubt your location is going to fly due to inadequate working working space and clearances. In your situation you need 30" wide by 36" deep by 6.5 feet tall in front of the panel....clear at all times ....no storage in that imaginary box. You also need lighting for the panel area. Might wait for others to reply, might be an exception. I suppose there is always the chance local authority will accept but I dont think so. It would be a real bear working in that panel only 12" off the floor.
My 2 cents
My 2 cents
#6
If you would like to view the NEC code on the subject look here.....click agree then open the code book on the next link wait for it to load then click the index icon when the index comes up go to article 110 click on it then find 110.26 and read all.
http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_a...ookie%5Ftest=1
In hindsight seems that there is an exception on headroom for existing dwellings to be allowed less than the 6.5 feet if the panelboard is less than 200 amps.
http://www.nfpa.org/freecodes/free_a...ookie%5Ftest=1
In hindsight seems that there is an exception on headroom for existing dwellings to be allowed less than the 6.5 feet if the panelboard is less than 200 amps.
Last edited by Roger; 01-27-06 at 11:24 AM.