Breaker panel flush with wallboard?

[KeithNJohnson]

Is there a code constraint on whether the breaker panel frame must be exposed or whether the frame be buried?

Obviously the door is exposed. And, equally obviously, if the frame is buried, if entire panel (door plus frame) is removed, the spackle covering the frame will need to be replaced. But the installation will look a lot better.

I can't see any safety issue. Does anyone know of a code issue. (I'm in NYC, by the way.)

Thanks, Keith

[junkcollector]

I guess I don't follow. A pic might help.

[scuba_dave]

Where is the panle located?
Basement....or?

[KeithNJohnson]

Sorry. Not on site and no camera. Let me try again.

The panel cover as a whole is a rectangle, say 12" wide and 24" high. Inset into the cover is a hinged door, say 6" wide and 12" high. The 3" strip of the cover outside of the door is what I'm calling the frame. This, of course, is where the cover is attached to the box with sheet metal screws.

What I may or may not want to do is to bury the frame so that only the 6" x 12" door is exposed. (So the owner has full access to breakers.) The panel is located in a condo foyer and making it less obtrusive would be a big plus for the owner, sufficient to accept that the frame would have to be unburied and refinished if/when it became necessary to remove the panel cover -- say to replace a breaker.

I suspect the owner will eventually decide not to do this. But I'm hearing a contractor claim that burying the screws (in the frame) that hold the panel cover on the box is not code-compliant. Since I hadn't heard that before, I'm just trying to get all the info.

Thanks again,
Keith

[scuba_dave]

I'm pretty sure you need to leave that whole frame accessible & easily removed. Just like any junction box the wiring connections inside must be easily access

I have seen wood attached to the frame to make it look better. Not sure if that is code, door could still be opened

[junkcollector]

It has to stay as is.

The panel trim cannot be "plastered over."

A cabinet door with faceframe could be made to screw onto the wall and still provide full access.

[KeithNJohnson]

Thanks, Keith