Flush Mounting Panel - Side Screws OK?

[Spudland_Dave]

Just checkin...Probably the stupidest question asked here thus far
I've got a Square D Homeline Panel. Like every other panel I've seen, its got provisions for mounting in the back. Is it ok if I drill a 2-3 holes on each side so I can screw it right to the 2 studs?

 

[pattenp]

I surely hope so because that's how mine are secured between the studs.

 

[nwav8tor]

Are you sure there aren't any knock-out slots on the sides for mounting to the studs? Mine has two on each side. Slots rather than holes to aid proper positioning to sit flush with the edge of the stud or drywall.

Paul

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Are you sure there aren't any knock-out slots on the sides for mounting to the studs? Mine has two on each side. Slots rather than holes to aid proper positioning to sit flush with the edge of the stud or drywall.

Paul

Hmm, I dont think so, but admittedly, I decided to open the box up and take a peek at the panel for the first time last night after I was done flashing the windows, it was quite dark. BUT from that initial look (and I did look for mounting holes on the sides) I didnt see anything...

 

[pattenp]

The Square-D Homeline should have 2 small round knock-outs on each side top and bottom towards the front.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The Square-D Homeline should have 2 small round knock-outs on each side top and bottom towards the front.

You are EXACTLY right...took a look this AM in the light and voila...problem solved!

 

[MrMark]

The Square-D Homeline should have 2 small round knock-outs on each side top and bottom towards the front.

Problem is they are too far forward on the studs. I had to drill new holes in the center

 

[pattenp]

With 1/2" drywall the holes are a 1/2" back on the stud and putting the screw on a slight angle you should be able to get a good bite into the stud.

Problem is they are too far forward on the studs. I had to drill new holes in the center

 

[ForceFed70]

If you flush-mount right to the studs, how do you get your wires into the panel? Are you planning to only enter the panel from above and below?

This is the reason you don't normally see a panel flush mounted directly to the studs.

 

[MrMark]

With 1/2" drywall the holes are a 1/2" back on the stud and putting the screw on a slight angle you should be able to get a good bite into the stud.

I use 5/8 and don't like screwing things in at an angle. I think it is bizarre that they put the holes (QO panel too) so close to the stud edge.

 

[MrMark]

If you flush-mount right to the studs, how do you get your wires into the panel? Are you planning to only enter the panel from above and below?

This is the reason you don't normally see a panel flush mounted directly to the studs.

Yes, only above and below. This is the way it is done here for new construction.

 

[pattenp]

I do agree. You'd think they would have moved the holes back at least another 1/2" to 3/4".

I use 5/8 and don't like screwing things in at an angle. I think it is bizarre that they put the holes (QO panel too) so close to the stud edge.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

-Wiring, yes all wires top and/or bottom. The house is wired like that even though the panel is surface mounted.

-I felt the same about the hole placement so I drilled a new set of holes further back.

Still didnt mount the panel, but I will soon.

 

[Speedy Petey]

If you flush-mount right to the studs, how do you get your wires into the panel? Are you planning to only enter the panel from above and below?

This is the reason you don't normally see a panel flush mounted directly to the studs.

We see this ALL the US. It is SOP for flush mounted panels.
ALL new panels have mounting hole KO's on the sides.

I must say, Canadian codes are pretty normals with many in line with our NEC, but your sideways mounted panels are just plain WEIRD.

 

[pattenp]

Is different for us, but makes sense by putting all the breakers at an even height for ease of reach. I assume that's why the panel is placed sideways.

We see this ALL the US. It is SOP for flush mounted panels.
ALL new panels have mounting hole KO's on the sides.

I must say, Canadian codes are pretty normals with many in line with our NEC, but your sideways mounted panels are just plain WEIRD.

 

[rabidsquirrel]

Is different for us, but makes sense by putting all the breakers at an even height for ease of reach. I assume that's why the panel is placed sideways.

Ease of reach really isn't a good argument because of the size of homeowner panels. It's not like it's a 7' tall 3Φ 480V panel.

 

[pattenp]

Uh... that was a supposition, not an argument. Now that's an argument.

Ease of reach really isn't a good argument because of the size of homeowner panels. It's not like it's a 7' tall 3Φ 480V panel.

 

[Norcal]

Is different for us, but makes sense by putting all the breakers at an even height for ease of reach. I assume that's why the panel is placed sideways.

The reason Canukistani panel are mounted sideways besides the fact the CEC allows it, is that the main breaker are seperated from the distribution section & the load cables are not allowed to pass through it, so they find it easier to mount them sideways.

Art 240.81 is what prohibits this in the US.

240.81 Indicating. Circuit breakers shall clearly indicate
whether they are in the open “off” or closed “on” position.
Where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically
rather than rotationally or horizontally, the “up” position of
the handle shall be the “on” position.

Copied from the 2008 NEC.

 

[rabidsquirrel]

Uh... that was a supposition, not an argument. Now that's an argument.

Heh, I didn't really mean it in the argumentative sense of the word.