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Friday, June 4, 2021

Question:

Good day to you and all you do! Thanks for all your help and analysis of the rabbit hole of the NEC. It's greatly appreciated and insightful. So without further delay, is there any rule or regulation within the NEC or similar (aside from local jurisdictions) that prohibits painting, wall papering or applying any after market coating on a residential panelboard cover so as long as it doesn't prevent the opening or functioning of the door or removal of the cover? If so, please list the document, code and or article.

Thanks in advance.

Gregg Prudence

A

Answer:

Hi Gregg,

Thanks for the comments. This situation described in your question happens quite often, more often with paint than wallpaper. However there are manufacturer's requirements that must be applied. The manufacturer would have such restrictions for applying paint or wallpaper over a panelboard cover. The NEC does have rules restricting paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, or other corrosive residues from being coated on internal parts of equipment. See Section 110.12(B). 

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