OK to cover electrical panel with decoration/picture/mirror?
In a kitchen remodel I’m working on, the home’s panel is installed squarely in the center of the wall, at one end of the kitchen. Cabinets and appliances are being installed on the 2 wall perpendicular to the wall with the panel, so there’s no confined space limitations to access the panel. It’s just that the panel is an aesthetic eyesore.
I tried to think of a way that the panel’s door can be disguised by a picture frame, mirror, or some other flat item, but of course, I’m concerned that it would not be allowed. Has anyone run across this sort of thing in a remodel?
Thanks,
Jesse
Replies
I can't imagine Code would allow it but it's done all the time. We work in a lot of condos with panels in the middle of hal;ls, walls, L/Rs, etc, and we take mirrors and pictures off the front of panels all the time.
The rule is that the panel must be "readily accessible". This would disallow any covering that required the use of a screwdriver or, say, where two people were needed to lift a heavy mirror. However, a mirror or picture on a hinge would probably be allowed, so long as the hinge allowed it to swing well out of the way.
So, if I go "James Bond" on
So, if I go "James Bond" on the wall, so to speak, covering the panel with a hinged item, I should be okay.
I'll just make the hinge points far enough out that the panel door can swing out as far as it can.
Thanks for the replies fellas.
You should double-check with the local electrical inspector -- some are fussier than others. And ideally the panel should be able to swing out all the way flat against the wall, or at least well beyond 90 degrees, to allow ready access.