Code Change Summary: A new code section regarding proper doors or covers for cabinets, cutout boxes and meter socket enclosures.

In the 2023 NEC^® a public input was accepted to add a new code section to require cabinets, cutout boxes and meter socket enclosures to “be equipped” with doors or covers.

Most electricians already know this and expect it, but this change is actually significant when examined along with the code making panel statement that resulted in the new code language.

Code Panel 9 made sure that this new requirement is located in Part II of Article 312 which pertains to manufacturer construction specifications in compliance with the product standards. CMP-9 approved the public input and stated that this new rule will assure that covers are “provided”. CMP-9 went on to compare a similar requirement for boxes in Section 314.25 but noted that this rule is being inserted in Part II of Article 312 “that addresses product standards”. “The covers for these enclosures are highly specialized and therefore should be created by the equipment manufacturers involved and included in the product acceptance evaluation”.

Many electrical inspectors have issued red tags for homemade cabinet covers or panelboard cabinet deadfronts (see image) but have had no real code section to back it up other than NEC^® Section 110.3(B) which requires listed equipment to be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing and labeling.

Panelboard cabinets, cutout boxes and meter socket enclosures are listed by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories such as UL. Part of the listing (product certification) process for an enclosed panelboard includes testing for containment of arcs and sparks. When the original deadfront and cover are missing from a listed enclosed panelboard and replaced with something else not identified in the original product listing, all bets are off as to how the enclosure will perform during a fault condition that may occur.

This new code change makes it clear that doors and covers for cabinets, cutout boxes and meter socket enclosures must be provided by the manufacturer.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.