Replies

1. 
   Jim_Tredeau | Jan 20, 2001 10:41pm | #1

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   As far as I know you need a 30" wide by 36" deep clear access area in front of a electrical panel.

1. 
   Alan_Kim | Jan 21, 2001 03:33am | #2

   *I upgraded to a 200-amp 40/40 panel last year and the impression I got is not to have anything protruding from under the box. Should be able to walk right up to the box and have everything reachable for person of average height, whatever that is.After having rewired close to 30 circuits I personally wouldn't want a counter, not matter how shallow, under the box.

1. 
   CAP_ | Jan 21, 2001 03:45am | #3

   *Ken,Jim is correct. The chapter and verse is Section 110-26 (a)(1)& (2). But I believe there's a way for you to do what you want, if you have a reasonable inspector and you pass the inspector's "attitude test".Here's the logic: the minimum working clearances of 36" deep and 30" wide are for equipment "likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized." Is your "main electrical panel box" just a circuit breaker box, with a meter and a main switch separate (like outside the building)? If so, then you could make the case that it's not likely that they'll need to be any work done in the box while it's energized. Just cut power at the main switch (or breaker) before mucking around in the panel. I would try this logic even if you have a combined service entrance panel (meter and breaker panel combined).I think you're correct in maintaining that the counter below the panel does not interfere with the "sufficient" access and working space required by the first paragraph of Section 110-26. Your success in swaying the inspector depends on how you present your case, and how he or she's doing that day. Try to get your permit approved early Monday morning, before the counter person gets too hasseled, and have coffee and donuts ready for the inspector when he/she gets on-site.Good luck.

1. 
   Dave_Richeson | Jan 21, 2001 04:05pm | #4

   *Call your code enforcement agency and ask. It is that simple. The inspectors around here usually leave the office around 8:30AM,so I call before they leave and ask the electric inspector a question like yours. He gives me his answer nad that is the directions I follow.After all he is inspecting by his interprtaion of the code. Even If I am not going to have something like your top inspected I would still ask your guestion. Any inspector in my area would rather help you get it right over the phone first than red tag you in the field later. Give it a try. You almost always will be surprised at how helpfull these guys can be, and you don't have to buy donuts and coffee for the phone call. Save them as the "thank you for the advice" when he comes to inspect. Works for me.Dave

1. 
   John_Sprung | Jan 23, 2001 05:43am | #5

   *Ken --Any reason why this cabinet and counter absolutely has to be a built-in? Could it be as simple as doing the actual building to code, passing inspection, and then later just putting a piece of furniture where you want it?-- J.S.

2. 
   J.R. | Jan 23, 2001 06:06am | #6

   *Ken,N.E.C. ARTICLE 110-16 states "30" of clear space from right to left, and 36" of space in front of electrical panel, from ceiling to floor MUST BE RESERVED. Also clearances from water supply, drain, and sumps must be considered.Best,J.R.

3. 
   CAP_ | Jan 23, 2001 06:31am | #7

   *J.R.,Which edition of the NEC are you citing? The 1999 Code doesn't have a Section 110-16. Clearances are in 110-26.

4. 
   Alan_Kim | Jan 23, 2001 05:22pm | #8

   *John Sprung -A very sensible suggestion that a layman can appreciate.

5. 
   J._Belcher | Jan 24, 2001 03:38pm | #9

   *Sorry, the counter is not OK.NEC is clear:Width 30" in front of panel (doesn't have to be centered on panel, but must include width of panel) - more width if the equipment is wider than 30"Height is 78" from floor - more if equip is higherDepth is 36" (assuming this is standard residential 120/240 service)There are other quirks too - can't run duct or pipes over panels, etc - a story for another day.These dims apply to anything requiring maintenance while hot - I've never seen an inspector who didn't consider a panel something that required service while hot. However I have seen inspectors who will overlook the space requirement anyway. Usually though there has to be a good reason - not just because we want to build a counter in front of the box.See Article 110 in both '96 & '99 codes.

2. 
   Ken_Kathan | Jan 24, 2001 03:38pm | #10

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   Does anyone know what the NEC says about clearance in fromt of a main electrical panel box? I want to put a 36"H counter, with cabinets underneath, in front of a basement main panel in a residence. I have heard from only one person that there may be restrictions on this because it will limit access. Because the counter will only be 24" deep, will not block the access panel, nor block any feeds/runs from the box, I would think it would be OK. Then again, I have been surprised by how code officials think!