ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Panel Backboards

sparky
I saw an ad for a backboard for meter cans to be installed on before the siding is installed.The same co.may have something for panels,but I don't remember the name.Anyone else?

Arlington?

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 10-13-2002).]

Bill ,that sounds right. My Alzheimers was kicking in again

Yes, Arlington makes the meter mounting board. It's the MM series.
BTW,

They make a larger unit (MM 35?) that my local suppliers didn't carry. I would have needed to order a minimum quantity. I called Arlington and they sent me one free of charge!

I'll have to try treated 2x4's secured to the concrete first, then the painted plywood (3/4") over that. It sounds like a real nice job.

If the areas you are mentioning are in a wet or damp location, and I would consider a basement in some cases to be wet and damp, then Art 384-17 (1999 Code) refers you to Art 373-2(a). That requires a 1/4" airspace between the enclosure and the wall.
Our company specs require a unistrut channels run vertical behind the panel. This allows busbar cooling by venting the air upward as in the chimney effect. It also eliminates the possibility of moisture buildup on the back side of the enclosure.

Hello Warren,
What area is that? Sounds like a good rule.
Stay safe

Most older service cutouts and meters in England are also mounted on ply, although not normally painted.

The older ones were fitted to the wall with four porcelain standoffs giving about 5/8" clearance behind.

The new outside plastic cabinets have particle board secured in the back.

I'm surprised there has not been a marketed panel 'backboard' .....


A local company is making backboards up here in Maine. Consists of plywood and 2 by 4's painted black. I forget the price and sizes?. They used to have a display in the supply house I frequent the most.

I use PT 2x4s on the flat with concrete nails and then secure the 4 x 4 sheet of 3/4" AC Ply to the 2x4s.