THIS MUST BE ANSWERED BY AN ELECTRICIAN FAMILIAR WITH NEC.?

Question

Hi!

Is there an NEC section which addresses the following kitchen design? I'm working with an apartment complex and they've designed each unit's breaker box to be located directly over the stove top burners. Something just sounds real bad here - but, perhaps I worry about things melting when water is brought to a boil or the oven is at 450 F for an hour or so and the vent for the oven is directly through a back burner. [The door for the breaker box just clears the top of the stove top.]

Thank you!!

Answer 1

Look up "working space" Article 110,  110.26F a thru d. (exhibits 118,119.)

Ref'd in from 408.8B 'Clearances.

There might be some leeway offered in the requirement for a 'dedicated space` per 110.26 F, but I doubt it would ever go so far as to accept an apartment service panel mounted over a cooking appliance.

Normally they're in hallways.

While I can't find the reference to the hot environment that concerns you,

it is a real problem.

Breakers WILL trip prematurely in a hot environment.

Due to the chance  of vapors and condensation, it might even be considered a damp location.

The grease that commonly collects above a stove would also be a concern.

Is this the work of an architect?

No engineer would put a panel there.

Answer 2

NEC 110.26 is the Article you are looking for (in the 2005, 2002, and 1999 Editions, 110-16 in the 1996 - I believe it is 110.26 in the 2008, as well, but I left my '08 book at school last night & can't confirm).

This Article requires that ALL electrical equipment be provided with adequate working space; it goes on to describe that space for a 600 volt, or less, system as a clear area 30" wide (or the total width of the equipment, if wider than 30") x 36" deep (as measured from the front surface of the enclosure or cabinet). The panel door must open at least 90 degrees.

This space shall contain no equipment from any other building system (other than required fire suppression systems), and shall have at least 6'-6" of headroom. If the top of the equipment (the panel) is greater than 6-6", the headroom shall be at least the height of the equipment. The maximum height to the center of the main breaker or disconnecting means is 6'-7".

NO OTHER EQUIPMENT is allowed in this space, and, it cannot be used for storage. No deteriorating agents (such as the heat from a stove, or the grease from cooking) shall be allowed in this space.

Panels are also not allowed in bathrooms or closets used to store combustible materials (clothing, linens, paint, cereal boxes, etc.).

I'd love to see pictures of the design and/or finished installation; this has to be one of the biggest design errors I have come across in a week or two! (Unfortunately, I see a lot - I'm never surprised, but always amazed at some of the things I see.)

You are also correct to be concerned about the heat of the cook-top; the Ambient Temperature Adjustment Factors contained at the bottom of Table 310.16 would have to be taken into account when sizing all of the conductors installed in the panel. At an Ambient Temperature of (only?) 159 degrees F, Type THHN conductor insulation must be derated by 41%; that means the service Entrance or Branch Feeder Conductors for a 100 Amp panel would need to be 4/0 copper, that's bigger than your index finger, and very costly in both time and labor (not to mention the size conduit it would require, if a raceway installation is used).

This is also a good candidate for an Article 110.3 (B) violation (installation of listed & labeled equipment, fittings, devices, wiring, etc., must be done according to the product's listing & labeling; which includes the Manufacturer's Install Instructions).

Thank you for making my day!

Answer 3

2005 NEC section 110.26 states "... free space in front of electrical equipment must be at least 30" (762mm) wide.  This clear space must continue from the floor to the height specified in section 110.26 (E).  Doors or panels on the electrical equipment must be capable of opening at least a 90 - degree angle.

Contact your local electrical inspector in the building department.  They'll take care of you.  Good Luck...

Tom A

Sr. Construction Project Manager

Albion, MI

Answer 4

Code violation or not, this is a lawsuit waiting to happen after someone is injured or killed. This is very bad planning.

Answer 5

   are they crazy????

Answer 6

Since you already got another answer that didn't address your question directly.  

I believe there is a code that says there must be so many inches of clear floor space in front of any electrical service panel.  I believe then that your example may violate that code and may not pass inspection if there is one in place for your area.