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Service panel access in cabinet ?

3K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  Chris130 
#1 · (Edited)
our unit failed the semi-annual electrical inspection - the inspector gigg'd us because the panel's cover is not easily removedable. when we remodeled the kitchen, the local guy bldg inspector said ' ok ' BUT we didn't have an electrical insp as we didn't do anything to existing elec + we did use a licensed electrician to change out light fixtures.

who's right ? what do we need to do ? thanks, guys !

sorry about the pics being catty-wonkers,,, they were right side up when attached.
 

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#7 ·
I gave you the by-the-book answer, but I should have included that the AHJ is usually fairly tolerant of existing installations if the working space can be made reasonable, but not quite to code; for instance maybe only 24 inches wide or 30 inches deep. It's worth a discussion, but what you have is clearly not reasonable. If you do get a concession, try to get it in writing.

Mark
 
#4 ·
You're not going to like the answer, but here it is:

The NEC requires a clear working space of 30" wide by 36" out from this panel. This are must be kept clear from the floor to a height of 78" or the height of the panel, whichever is higher.

Mark
 
#9 ·
I agree with all that has been said and I have a question.

What is a semi-annual electrical inspection? I am in SC and I have never heard of such a thing (or in any other state I have lived).

Did the electrician you hired add anything to this panel? If he only changed out light fixtures, he has no responsibility toward that panel's location.
 
#13 ·
never blamed the electrician, did i ? did NOT mean it was his responsibility but did think could've mentioned in passing as he tucked his biz card inside the box :yes:

anyways, long story short, hilton head's elec inspector came by & directed me to cut back side of cabinet to allow sufficient space to remove panel cover,,, yes, this is a condo property w/many owners in the rental market,,, we did but no longer altho that wasn't the saving factor.

just thought anyone might want to know results. THANKS TO ALL who responded. i always learn more than i contribute :thumbsup:
 
#14 ·
Glad the resolution was minimal. If you don't rent your condo unit out then you do not have to allow any government inspector in your house unless it is for a specific active permit that you opened. When he comes by again tell him you'll let him in the door when he gets a search warrant.
 
#16 ·
there is another GOOD side to this story,,, got to buy another tool,,, vibratory/oscillating saw :thumbup: now if they just made diamond blades for it, victory would be complete :laughing:

turns out the elec insp was ordered by the hoa board,,, several units had been arcing in the box due to too man diy/h-o alterations :furious:
 
#17 ·
got to buy another tool,,, vibratory/oscillating saw :thumbup: now if they just made diamond blades for it, victory would be complete
you mean a tool that looks something like this?



If so, you should be able to find diamond blades for it. Some attachment connections can be weird depending on the brand of tool, but most tools like this can accommodate "universal fit" attachments. If so, there are definitely diamond-blade options out there.

Cheers, Chris
 
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