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#47168 01/11/05 11:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 259
J
Joey D Offline OP
Member
I have an existing main panel that has the water meter under it about 2ft below and it's off the wall 10 inches. Inspector says to move the panel as the code says it can't be mounted above the water meter. I didn't see it so here I am asking. Thanks.

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 37
E
Member
Clearence area for Panel is
24" to sides
36" to front
from ground to Panel

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
110.26 covers clearances about panels. There are two parts: the working clearance in front (30 x 36) and the dedicated space above and below (equal to the footprint from floor to ceiling).


Earl
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
It is a violation of 110.26 (3), but You say it is an existing situation

What type of authority does this inspector have that he can have you change an existing condition, or what type of project are we talking about?

Roger

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 259
J
Joey D Offline OP
Member
I am changing out the panel to a new panel, thats it.

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
Joey, the inspector has a valid stance.

Roger

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,457
E
Member
File under "why people avoid permits". Tough to say without seeing how obsructed the panel is but I do service upgrades like this all the time and never have I moved the panel location. Burdening the homeowner with an added cost might not be an option for them. Thus they will do nothing or avoid permits altogether. Rule 3 from Mass Elec Code. "Addtions or modifications to an existing installation shall be made in accordance with this Code without bringing the remaining part of the installation into compliance with the requirements of this Code. The installation shall not create a violation of this Code, nor shall it increase the magnitude of an existing violation." Where does this leave us?

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
If it were anything but a water meter I'd suggest that the plumber violated the code and needed to move the plumbing. That's the position some VERY NICE inspectors have taken in the past. It really shouldn't be too much work to relocate to one side with a 90 degree sweep.

Dave

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 697
D
Member
...or add a couple floor-to-ceiling 2X4s and bring the panel away from the wall a foot or two with a long RMC nipple.

Dave

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,457
E
Member
Dave moving the panel is obviously easy. What about all the airing that has to go back into it. Not likely that it will reach.

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