For a rental property in the works, I recently had an electrician install a new electrical panel within the rental unit (main floor of a raised bungalow), with separate service, meter etc. It was done to code with power first turned off by the electrical authority, ESA inspection etc. The end result is the new panel surface mounted to the drywall on what is an exterior wall, and the service coming directly into the back of the panel.
The end result is shown in the first attached pic. As this is in the living/dining area, the intent is to frame and box this in with 2x4 studs and finished with sheetrock, floor to ceiling and provide access to the panel with side by side cabinet doors . I am thinking that the boxed in area would be maybe about 6" from the existing wall. See the 2nd attached pic which is just something I found online to show the concept, although the pic shows 1 cabinet door, I would have two side by side and the doors would not be as deep since my panel is mounted horizontally.
Is there anything I need to be concerned about with respect to code in Ontario, Canada and ESA before boxing this in?
Thank you.
I can't believe that job was inspected and passed by an ESA inspector.
Was it inspected by ESA?
This panel needs to be done properly before making any decision.
Good luck
As an Alberta based electrical contractor I can't believe that was passed by an inspector regarding strapping alone of those cables.
I can't speak on behalf of any local codes having jurisdiction in Ontario but here where we work the panelboards must be readily accessible with working space. As long as those cabinet doors do not have locks on them and don't restrict panel access whatsoever they should be fine. This means that if you need as much as a screwdriver to get to that panelboard it is not readily accessible, so don't go closing it off with sheetrock! Regardless, you should always consult with a local electrical contractor, and ensure the discussion has been made with your local authority having jurisdiction.
Have a great day and good luck with your project!
Thanks All for your replies. I neglected to add a few details. Yes, inspected by ESA, since the local power authority would not turn back power on without ESA inspection. However the tie wrapping of the cables is just temporary -- the electrician left it that way until we decide how to box in. A piece of plywood will be mounted to the wall below /left of the panel and the wires will be unbundled and properly stapled to the board.
I should also add that the intention is to box this in, not build a closet around it --- Let me explain further. The panel depth is just over 4" from the wall. If I 2x4 frame a structure floor to ceiling and depth about 5" from the wall, and with an opening a bit wider than the panel and with enough height such that when side by side doors for the opening are open, it will reveal the full panel and all the way down to just below the outlet - which also needs to be accessibile. The question I have is how much clearance should there be on either side of the opening to allow panel access, and same for the outlet below? I have crudely marked up the photo to depict the size of the double doors that when open would reveal the panel and the outlet. Red marks are handles/knobs.
BTW, the panel was mounted sideways due to restrictions related to the incoming service.
I did attach a new photo, but do not see it on my reply.. perhaps it will appear once reviewed by the moderators?
I think you got your answers on the other site that you posted to.
Cheers
John Kuehnl-Cadwell
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
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