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Monday, May 16, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Monday, May 9, 2016 - Panelboard in Cabinet
1. In regards to the answer for Friday’s question. What I think Kate was asking was it a code violation to install a circuit breaker panelboard inside of a KITCHEN cabinet. I have seen this installation a few times; when the original location of a panelboard in a single family dwelling is on a wall, then an addition is built on to the house, if that addition becomes a kitchen; instead of relocating all of the branch circuits, changing service cable to a feeder cable and relocating panelboard; the installing contractor working on the kitchen just cuts out the back wall a cabinet and there you go a panel is in a cabinet! Thanks for your service, Chris Gabriele
2. I agree you are dead on in referring to the definitions. In this case I believe we need to possibly go "outside" the NEC definition of a cabinet. I have seen many installations of panelboards inside kitchen cabinets, both floor and countertop. There's a good chance that this is the scenario alluded to in the question and your answer is still applicable. I bring this up because electricians primarily doing residential remodeling in older homes will often see this but may not see a commercial or industrial job that you described. Keep up the good work. Bob Barna
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Answer:
Hey Chris and Bob thanks for your comments and the compliments. You are both correct; sometimes I get my head too far into the NEC and lose some sense of reality. I have also seen panelboards located in kitchen cabinets and in each of those cases it was a violation of the clear space rule in 110.26(A)(3) that must extend from the floor to 6 1/2 ft.