Nec Panel Behind Door

Three of these standards concern the box location clearance and space around the box and box height.

Nec panel behind door.

These standards set the minimum safety standards for panel boxes. 110 26 a 2 says in all cases the work shall permit at least a 90 degree opening of the equipment doors or hinged panels. With the use of many panels overcurrent protection being installed in the apartment s closets tenants are unable to reset their gfi for bathroom if a breaker is used quickly. Height of working space around electrical equipment nec 110 26 a 3 for installations built before august 13 2007 the height of the working space must be 6 25 ft.

The national electric code nec includes the minimum standards for installing a circuit breaker panel box. This is the only wall space left in a small room. In actuality locating a panel behind a door can guarantee that the working space won t be used for storage such as in small electrical closets. Circuit breaker box installations are regulated by the nec.

My interpretation of nec is panel behind door swing is a code violation. In dwelling type occupancies closets are filled with clothes covering panels and they are also behind closed doors. With the door closed there is plenty of nec required clearance in front of the panel. I see nothing wrong with a panel located behind a door provided that when the door is closed there is proper working space.

The purpose for the national electrical code is to provide a safe installation but article 110 is perhaps focused a little more on providing an installation that is safe for the installer and maintenance electrician so time spent in. Is there anything in the nec that prohibits mounting a panelboard behind a door.