NEC Article 408 — Panelboard Requirements (Working Space, Labels, Schedule)
Article 408 governs panelboards: working space (110.26), required circuit directory, dead-front cover, and the panel schedule that must accompany every NJ permit submission.
NEC 408 governs panelboards — what we usually call load centers or simply "the panel" in residential work. The most-cited sub-rules in NJ permit reviews:
Working space per NEC 110.26(A): every panelboard must have at least 30 inches of width centered on the equipment, 36 inches of depth (in front), and 6.5 ft of headroom. The depth requirement is from the live parts to any wall or obstruction. NJ AHJs strictly enforce the 36-inch depth — a panel installed in a closet with shelves 30 inches away is a fail.
Dedicated equipment space per 110.26(E): the space directly above the panel up to the structural ceiling (or 6 ft above the panel, whichever is less) must be clear of piping, ducts, and unrelated equipment. Plumbing waste lines running across this space are a classic Hudson County rejection.
Circuit directory per NEC 408.4: every panelboard must have a directory inside the cover (or on the cover) identifying every circuit. Phantom or "spare" labels are not acceptable for active circuits. The directory must use specific language: "kitchen receptacles," "master bedroom lighting," "water heater," etc. Generic labels like "outlet" or "lights" are non-compliant.
Panel schedule for permit submission: while the NEC doesn't explicitly require a panel schedule on the permit drawings, every NJ AHJ does. The schedule is a tabular document showing position number, breaker amperage, pole count, conductor size and material, circuit description, and connected load. Most AHJs want it on the same drawing as the single-line diagram.
Dead-front cover requirements per 408.38: the dead-front cover that exposes only the breaker handles (not the busbar) is required for every panelboard. Removing it without de-energizing or qualified PPE is a 70E violation.
The free Malfettone Panel Schedule Builder at /tools/panel-schedule generates a fully-formatted, permit-ready schedule with NEC 240.4(D) compliance flagged on every row. Use it for every NJ permit submission.
This guide is an educational summary written by a licensed NJ master electrician. It is not a substitute for the National Electrical Code or for the judgment of your local AHJ. For real permit work, verify every code interpretation with your authority having jurisdiction and a licensed electrician of record.