ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues NEC ART 110 working space clearance

I have 2 existing panelboards rated 208/120V 225A that have to be relocated. To minimize cost and shut-down time,
I was going to covert the existing panelboards into junction boxes and pipe feeder and branch circuits to new panleboard location.

Do the new junction boxes have to conform to NEC ART 110.26(A)(1)?

The existing panelboards are mounted to a brick wall, with a new handicapp lift in front of it.

thanks in advance

Hmmm...with the lift in front, that may be a problem. Boxes have to be accessable.

Maybe, but 314.29 may still bite you in the butt if that ADA lift is in front of them.

Remember that nowhere in the NEC does it state that the rules can be waived if there is a desire to save money or work quicker.

It's probably best to run it past your AHJ before you hang your hat on it.

Can you raise or lower the lift and get at the boxes? That way they might not be "readily" accessible, but you are still able to get at them if you move the lift or something like that. Just a thought.

The only requirement for "accessible" is you don't have to damage the building finish to get to it. How many J boxes have you worked on that you had to move furniture or crawl on your belly in an attic, all perfectly legal.

Agreed, but take a look at the ADA lift first and make sure that you can even get to the box once it's installed. I've seen a lot of lifts where the support frame is completely solid.

I should have added..."checck with your local AHJ" to my original reply.

Not being able to 'see' the situation makes for a tough call.

This is definitely a scenario which needs to be verified with the Building Department (any AHJ involved).

Basically, since the existing Panelboards are now Junction Boxes; the need to examine, adjust, service or maintain the Live Circuitry inside is not likely - as compared to a Panelboard, etc.
This, by its self, is open to wide interpretations!

So if the existing "Panelboards-Now Junction Boxes" must comply with 110.26, this will be "Condition 2" - since the ADA Lift assembly is mounted in front of the Junction Boxes.
Condition 2 places 36" minimum between the opening of the J-Box Panelboards, and the closest edge of the ADA Lift.

If the scenario must comply per 110.26 - condition 2, Pullboxes or Wireway Sections mounted above the ADA Lift (or above ceiling, over to a side of the lift, etc.) might be the next best option.

Scott