mount service panel on ceiling?

17 years ago

We have a multi-unit apartment building, with a 400 amp main service, and need to upgrade. Basically, the main service comes into the basement hallway and connects to a service panel, then from the service panel to another box that splits off power to each apartment's meter.

To upgrade for more amps, apparently we need a new service panel, and the rules here are that such a panel needs 36 inches clear space in front of it. The new service panel itself would be 12-16" deep, the hallway is only 30" wide, so there is not enough space according to code to mount this panel on the wall.

We do have a 8 foot ceiling in this hallway, and if we were permitted to mount the new service panel on the ceiling (facing down) then we would have 36" space in front of it (ie, there would be more than 36" of air beneath it).

Has anyone ever done this or heard of this?

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Comments (6)

petey_racer
17 years ago
That would be completely illegal as it violates several codes.
kensnh
17 years ago
When you say "WE", it seems like this does not include anyone qualified for this type of work.

So "WE" meaning whoever is trying to figure this and maybe attempt it...........STOP.

Call in a licensed, qualified, contractor, even if it's only for some different ideas, but being an apartment building........Let them do it.

KEN
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bus_driver
17 years ago
The original post indicates a desire to comply with the NEC. There may be an available option in Article 90.4. The second paragraph holds out hope that special situations may have requirements waived under certain circumstances. Discussing this with the inspector prior to starting work may be worthwhile. Inviting the inspector to visit the site may be helpful. Not asking is an automatic "No".
petey_racer
17 years ago
While I agree with Bus in theory, I agree more with Kensnh that the "We" indicated in the OP should contact qualified people to solve this issue.

Coming to a Homeowner DIY board with a question about an apartment building with a 400A service is an immediate red flag for me.
If you have to come here with this type of question you should NOT be doing the job in the first place!
fredwolf
Original Author
17 years ago
I thought it would be obvious that on a multi-unit apartment building, we would be using licenced contractors and obtaining all necessary permits, as not doing so would void our insurance policy and expose us to other potential liability.

It was just a thought I had, and I wanted to bounce it off people here before I proposed it to our contractors. Thanks to Bus Driver for actually providing some useful input.
kensnh
17 years ago
I would call in a qualified contractor to look at available options.

Yeah, unless, you are TIGHT, with the AHJ, or loose with the grease, they might allow it, are you kidding me, though.

And actually, not to sound rude, it's not obvious that you are using licensed, qulified, contractors, they would have already said no, without ever seeing it, just like me.

The only waiver, you would get is for the 36" HORIZONTAL,
and probably only if you beg or it's historical. That clearance is for US, so it's safe, right Bus?

No freakin' way on the ceiling, if you do, I want some pictures of the install, and the inspector signing the final.

KEN