Panel in Wet Location
Panel in Wet Location
(OP)
We are installing a distribution panel in a building. The building has sprinklers. So a weatherproof (Nema 3R) panel will be required. The problem is that it can be dangerous in case the sprinklers go off at the same time when someone is performing maintenance at the panel.
If we put a warning label on the panel, something like this "disable the sprinklers before opening the door".
Will this warning label satisfy the NEC code?
If we put a warning label on the panel, something like this "disable the sprinklers before opening the door".
Will this warning label satisfy the NEC code?






RE: Panel in Wet Location
Secondly, are we talking fire protection sprinkler system? There is no way a fire marshall would allow the sprinklers to be manually disabled in order to access an electrical panel. If the sprinkler system activates, this panel will be the least of your problems.
David Castor
www.cvoes.com
RE: Panel in Wet Location
Is it allowed by the code to put a Nema-4 panel in a building that has fire protection sprinklers?
RE: Panel in Wet Location
David Castor
www.cvoes.com
RE: Panel in Wet Location
And it can be dangerous if someone is working on this equipment at the same time when the sprinklers go off.
What should be the solution to this problem?
RE: Panel in Wet Location
If there is actually a fire, no one will be concerned about water damage to electrical panels or anything else in the space. Priority is putting out the fire and preventing a larger fire. What was ruined by the water would have been more ruined by a fire, if not the whole property, if there were no sprinklers.
As dpc says, no way will you be allowed to disable the fire protection just to work inside a panel.
rasevskii
RE: Panel in Wet Location
I just want to confirm that installing Nema-4 electrical equipment (like panels, light fixtures, etc), in a building having sprinklers, is not a violation of code.
Please confirm...
RE: Panel in Wet Location
David Castor
www.cvoes.com
RE: Panel in Wet Location
Deluge systems are generally used for area protection of refineries and similar high risk areas. Some enclosed parking areas may also use a deluge system.
Still, if you are in an area protected by a deluge system you will probably be alerted by the sight of flames and smoke. If conditions warrant a deluge system you may also need hazardous classified electrical equipment.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Panel in Wet Location