hidden panel

[polexican23]

I am not trying to do anything super fancy like Sakuramas doors, but i was thinking about making one access panel below my electrical box. It would be 14"x48" (just the size of a 16" on center 2x4 wall cavity and 4' tall.)

I am using 7/16 OSB on that part of the wall, do you kind GJers have any tips or suggestions?

I am leaning towards using these hinges (2 pair just incase for weight).

http://www.rockler.com/invisible-spring-hinges

 

[matt_i]

Not saying its cheaper but some 3/4" dia x 1/2" thick rare earth magnets would be a heck of a panel-holder. Steel "targets". Would definitely need handles or hand-holes to remove!

 

[polexican23]

Handles and hand-holes would give away the "hidden panel" premise.

 

[kbs2244]

There may be code issues.
Most codes require easy access to any and all C B .

 

[chrism0107]

Look up invis mx2 watch the YouTube video but be prepared for sticker shock

 

[larry4406]

There may be code issues.
Most codes require easy access to any and all C B .

OP said "below" his panel so I assume he is not covering/obscuring his service panel thereby impeding access to the circuit breakers.

Likely just wants access to future electrical adds to the panel.

 

[sberry]

This is a good idea, I saw a panel in a garage a while back, great to have 20 spaces but 1 was used and drywall top to bottom.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I was not trying to make it look hidden, but I just attached some wood cleats to the insides of the opposing studs, then I used deck screws to attach the panel. Mine is above the electrical panel, and I have removed it to run more wiring several times in the last 3 years.
My wall is white painted plywood, and with everything else going on with the wall it tends to blend in pretty well.

 

[polexican23]

yeah i thought about doing it above too, but decided to just add 4 extra empty conduit runs up into the attic area so that they are easily accessible if i need to run any other power.

 

[BillK]

My attached garage is finished with inexpensive wood paneling from HD. I just cut a piece of it for below and above the panel and secured it to the studs with short drywall screws. Cant hardly tell its there and its easy to remove if you want to add circuits. You could probably do the same thing with the osb you are using.

I suppose you could also hinge it and use the hidden kitchen cabinet latches that you press in to open.

 

[kbs2244]

The code issues are all about firemen bring able to turn off electric fast.
They need to be able to see how.

I worked with 2 VFD guys in the past.
Different departments.
Both said the first thing they did when pulling up to a building was to find and pull the electric meter.

This has become a big deal in the world of non-grid supplied electric.
They need to be able to turn off power from your PV panels and battery bank as well as from the pole.

 

[polexican23]

The meter is still on the exterior of the building so that wont be an issue KBS.