framing wall around circuit breaker box

[Jim916]

I have 2 questions on this subject. First of all I will be framing up a new wall in front of the exterior wall where the box is. We have a split level with the wall being 1/2 cinder block and 1/2 framed. I am building a new wall 1" away from the cinder block. We want a straight wall, no dust collecting ledges. The electrical box will be in the original wall which will be 8" - 10" from the new wall. How big of an opening do I need to make for access to the circuit breaker box?

The box will be in the family room so I want as small as possible to cover up. Which comes to my second question, how have people covered these up? I would use a picture but the way the room is going to be it will look funny being 6"-15" from the TV. One option would be a bigger tv, but it is already 46".

I have thought about cultured stone but I think it might be over kill on that wall.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[crothmeier]

Alot of people make cabinet door/doors over the top. I dont know how that would look for your application though, just an idea!

[Farmboy1]

Electrical code says you cannot cover the box with anything.

That being said, a lot of people put in something that does not stick out, like a white door recessed into the wall.

[chasineyes]

I built a cabinet door to cover it. As far as code, once it's signed off on...

[BobT]

Quote:

As far as code, once it's signed off on...

You do realize that very attitude has been responsible for plenty of deaths over the years. Let's not forget, if the cause of a fire should later be determined resulting from the box being illegally modified after inspection, one may have a difficult time getting insurance coverage.

Bob

[robbo17]

If I understand this right? Why frame it up 1" from Cinder block. To save money on Framing Material you could frame it Flush with Cinder Block and Glue Sheetrock directly to cinder block.

Electric Box- I would frame it at least 1" bigger than existing cover. As far as a cover for it. The cabinet door would be the best. You have to take in consideration that at sometime emergency personnel may have to locate your electrical panel, when you are unable to show them where it is. A plane cabinet door on a wall is something they can identify right away. Covering it with a TV or picture or anything else is not a good idea. .

[chasineyes]

Quote:

As far as code, once it's signed off on...

You do realize that very attitude has been responsible for plenty of deaths over the years.

Bob

Seriously bob...how many homes burn because of this reason versus people smoking in homes, old wiring, old mechanicals.??????