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Monday, November 21, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Monday, November 14, 2016 -Panelboard in Restroom1
As a former member of CMP-10 (Article 240) we had this discussion several times concerning overcurrent devices in commercial and industrial bathrooms. Consider large bathrooms with showers and lockers. The shower areas have very high humidity and wet floors; however, the hand washing, stool, urinal and locker areas are many times spacious and very dry. As with any building, good planning will dictate what area is acceptable for the installation of various panelboards and what areas are not.
In the case of small bathrooms, common sense (I know, common sense is not common any more) should dictate other locations than the bathroom. However, if an architect or electrical contractor insists on an installation where there will be high humidity, a NEMA Type 1 enclosure would not be acceptable. A NEMA Type 4X would possibly be suitable for that location and the bathroom would have to be shut down for any maintenance. The final acceptance of a location with the planned types of equipment falls on the shoulders of the AHJ. Just because the equipment is inside a building does not mean that a NEMA Type 1 enclosure is always acceptable.
Take care, Charlie Eldridge, Consultant
A
Answer:
Hey Charlie it's good to hear from you and thanks for your comment. I agree it is not the best place even if the equipment is suitable for the environment.