[TTW]

Hi,

So the inspector is making me move a panel for a new apartment that is being added to an existing apartment building.

The panel is currently located just outside the door of the new apartment in a common hallway.

I don't recall off hand anything in the code that would require that panel to be located in the apartment itself.

Or maybe I'm not properly educated, lol.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ted

 

[Awg-Dawg]

I see no reason why it would matter. Did he cite a particular code?

 

[SWDweller]

I have always stuck with this.
"electrical panel in an accessible, reachable, and safe location"

Hall way is not accessable because it is outside. Safe could be the same condition.

 

[backstay]

You won’t find the NEC against it.

 

[BarbaraKelsey]

I have always stuck with this.
"electrical panel in an accessible, reachable, and safe location"

Hall way is not accessable because it is outside. Safe could be the same condition.

This one works for me.

 

[macmikeman]

I have always stuck with this.
"electrical panel in an accessible, reachable, and safe location"

Hall way is not accessable because it is outside. Safe could be the same condition.

Nope, outside in the hallway is fine, provided all the proper clearances are adhered too and the environment present is considered when ordering the panel. I have wired 2 story walk up apartment buildings where we put every one of the tenant electrical panels in the exterior block walls facing outward into the common walkway. Panels had to be 3R rated, and the walkway had to be wide enough to satisfy 110. In the decades of the seventies and eighties they had 3R covers that fit flush to the surface, not like the ones they have now .
Also interior hallways are fine also providing spacing rules are followed. Also in electrical closets which also have to have enough space to adhere to code. And those closets can be locked up provided there is a person authorized to open the lock for servicing the panels or breakers.

 

[Almost Retired]

what about local codes ???

 

[Veteran Sparky]

If inspector cannot show the article in NEC prohibiting, you are compliant unless the AHJ (Municipality) has written rule against it.

 

[Awg-Dawg]

I have always stuck with this.
"electrical panel in an accessible, reachable, and safe location"

Hall way is not accessable because it is outside. Safe could be the same condition.

My parents lived in Arizona and it looked like the majority were outside.

 

[power]

While not very practical, a panelboard in the public corridor is accessible. I'm understanding the intent/rationale of the code/article is such that the panelboard cannot be in a place where only an 8' tall Cirque Du Soleil contortionist can reach.....figuratively speaking .

In any case, some panelboards come with locks on their doors, of which is likely going to be desirable to the future tenant.

I would respectfully ask the inspector to site the code/article, and request he/she stand-down on present enforcement if such a relocation is an arduous project.