Panelboard Mounting Requirements

[Dave123]

Does anyone know the code rule for mounting the main breaker panel in a residence. Specifically, I need to know the rule that states the acceptable materials that the panel can be mounted on. I can find rules for height and location but that it.

Thanks

[electric-ed]

Dave, There is no rule that I can find regarding required mounting surface for service equipment.

The standard procedure here is to use plywood, but I have seen backboards fabricated from tongue and groove boards in the past.

I wonder if there is anything in the equipment manufacturers installation instructions?

Ed

[Dave123]

Thanks for the quick response Ed.

Here's a brief intro. First off my question was in response to a one of the code questions that I was presented with for a class assignment. I'm a budding electrician (apprentice of course) taking an electrical course at a local college.

I needed this question for today's assignment. Unfortunately and fortunately I came across your site yesterday. Obviously not enough time to expect a response. On the other hand it's really nice to see such a forum on Canadian content. have found similar U.S. based sites, and although very interesting, not alway relevent.

Anyhow, I did answer the question with the same answer you provided (plywood) which is the correct response but lost marks by not providing a reference. According to my instructor this comes from the Ontario Building Code (guess what part of the country I'm in.) He like to throw out these questions every once in a while just to have you spend hours tyring to look for them.

I'm just finishing up my first term, this is exam week! so I guess I should get back to the books.

Once again, thanks for the response and look forward to future involvment with this forum.

Dave.

[apprentice jack]

DAVE 123 The correct mounting of a electrical panel for a residense/breaker/fuse panel is to mount it on a wall that will allow you to strap all incoming wires within 30cm(1 foot) usually plywood, BUT the code also states that we cannot directly mount the panel to a surface (wood) that has a flame spread rating more than 25, you cant strap to drywall very easily so the answer is to install a piece of drywall or gyprock one/ half inch only under the panel. I first discovered it in the electrical code simplified book, 6-207,26-404 and in the ontario electrical code,I couldnt find it in the CEC just ont but it is probably in most provincial code

[Dave123]

Hi Jak123,

I would be interested in the code rule re: ?we cannot directly mount the panel to a surface (wood) that has a flame spread rating more than 25?. I was told that any specific reference to the material to be mounted on has been removed from the code. And that it was removed because the panel manufactures now ensure that panels are of sufficient design to prevent or greatly limit a fire from occurring as a result of the panel (e.g., arcing, etc.)

I also reference the electrical code simplified? great book to get quick references/information. Just one problem though? it states that it?s base on the latest edition of the electrical code, but in fact, appears to be a little behind. The two code references you provided for example, do not exist in the code.


Dave123

[Harris521]

A panel board is a crucial component in electrical systems, housing and organizing circuit breakers, switches, and fuses for safe power distribution throughout a building. Traditionally made from metal for durability and grounding, panel boards can also be found in designs featuring wood slat panels. These wood slat panels add an aesthetic appeal, making panel boards blend seamlessly into interior spaces, especially in homes or commercial settings with modern or rustic decor. The wood slats provide a textured look while allowing ventilation and accessibility to the controls within. Thus, panel boards with wood slat panels offer both function and visual enhancement.