Understanding panelboards and their installation is critical for a safe installation. Panelboards contain the overcurrent protective devices that protect branch circuits. Randy Barnett divides the instruction into five separate sections:
- General information and definitions of panelboards and their enclosures
- Marking and labelling requirements
- The Circuit Directory
- The panelboard itself
- Installation notes and requirements for panelboards
The information covered all begins with Article 408 Switchboards, Switchgear and Panelboards. While this article drives many specific requirements for panelboards, installers must also refer to Art. 210 Branch Circuits, Art. 240 for multiwire branch circuits, and Art. 250 for grounding and bonding requirements. Article 110 provides specific requirements for termination torque, working spaces about panelboards and what is meant by performing work in a “professional and skillful manner.”
All of the above are addressed in this Tech Talk presentation. Grab and notepad and prepare to jot down the many code references on the screen as they will be valuable for meeting panelboard installation requirements.
About the Author
Randy Barnett
CESCP
Randy Barnett, electrical code and safety specialist, is a master electrician, ICC commercial electrical inspector, NFPA-certified electrical safety compliance professional and has worked as an electrician and technician in nuclear and coal-fired power plants, and in industrial maintenance and construction for 40 years. He is the author of Commercial and Industrial Wiring – American Technical Publishers, numerous articles, and is seen monthly on the EC&M Tech Talk video series for EC&M magazine. Randy conducts both online and in-person classes for NTT Training where he served as program manager for over 20 years. Randy’s resources can be found at www.randybarnett.net. His email is [email protected].