Service Panel Used As Junction Box

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Enclosures are referred to as "cabinets" when they are equipped with a hinged door as their means of access.

Once this door is sealed, by means of "permanent" fasteners (screws), is it still considered a "cabinet?" It seems to me that it would now be simply considered an "enclosure."

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by jpope

Enclosures are referred to as "cabinets" when they are equipped with a hinged door as their means of access.

Once this door is sealed, by means of "permanent" fasteners (screws), is it still considered a "cabinet?" It seems to me that it would now be simply considered an "enclosure."

See Article 312. I agree and if this was noted on the report the Home Inspector would be giving an opinion that is recognized by the electrical industry and scholars who spend countless hours helping them out with only one thing in mind, SAFETY.

The old cabinet used as the splice box here should be covered with a cover that is screwed on, and so noted as a "Splice Box"

PS: Keep in mind that someone, someday may say Duh! I am gonna restore this cabinel and put in this old panelboard I found in the flea market! !

[Bud Glass]

Over 29 years of home inspecting in the Denver, CO area, I have seen hundreds of old fuse boxes and obsolete breaker panels gutted out and used for junction boxes to extend the existing circuits to the the new panel. The wire nut joints must comply with the requirements of the NEC. The city electrical inspectors approve these every day and insist on two things:
The box must remain accessible, and the cover must be screwed shut.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

The old cabinet used as the splice box here should be covered with a cover that is screwed on, and so noted as a "Splice Box"

This is exactly what is required around here by the local AHJ's.

[Michael Bazzo, CMI]

Thanks for all of your help guys, I appreciate it

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Sometimes in a new service upgrade which would not comply with todays requirements...you have no choice but to relocate the service panel. Wel as noted the feeds to the old panel are still their.....but you remove the guts, blank the door and label and rewire from the old panel to the new panel.

This is about all that can be done in some older installations...