by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Thu Aug 27, 2009 1:18 pm
Hi Bruce,
There is no limitation on the height of an electrical panel, either high or low, there is, however, as you stated, a maximum height for the handle for operation of the overcurrent protection, and the wording in the code measures to "the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform".
From the 2008 NEC (which is unchanged from the 2005 NEC). (underlining and bold are mine)
- 240.24 Location in or on Premises.
- - (A) Accessibility. Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible and shall be installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform, unless one of the following applies:
- - - (1) For busways, as provided in 368.17(C).
- - - (2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described in 240.10.
- - - (3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 225.40 and 230.92.
- - - (4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they supply, access shall be permitted to be by portable means
For panels, the above exceptions to the 6 feet 7 inches height would apply.
Remember, you would measure to 'the center of the grip handle' with the operating grip handle 'at its highest position', and at that point the maximum allowed height is 6 feet 7 inches.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired