Removing Shelf for Electrical Panel Clearance

electrical

I’m getting solar panels installed, and the electrician who was here today mentioned that the inspector will need a 3 ft clearance in front of the electrical panel. The problem is, there’s a shelf mounted to the wall directly beneath the panel, and I’m not sure how to go about removing it.

The shelf is a permanent fixture, and I’ve attached some photos to this post to show the setup. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation before? Do you think the inspector will be strict about the 3 ft clearance even though the shelf is a bit lower? If it does need to be removed, what’s the best way to do it without damaging the wall too much?

The shelf is quite secure and does not budge at all. I don't see any fasteners when looking inside; it appears to be adhered & caulked to the wall.

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Best Answer

  1. Score the joints/edges around the trim and the cabinet/shelf with a utility knife
  2. Remove trim
  3. If any fasteners can be found, remove them. Try running a magnet along the inside of the cabinet; with luck, you'll find a screw or two that was filled and painted that can be cleaned out and removed (or a plug bit for a drill if you can't get it cleaned out). If there is a gap at the wall, something thin like a hacksaw blade might be useful for finding any screws into the walls.
  4. Try being gentle at first by simply pulling hard. If that fails, try a pry bar at the back where the stud is located and pry out.
  5. If you can't find fasteners and it doesn't pull from the wall, we're gonna break it. Hit the non-wall side of the cabinet from the inside until that board pulls free. Then middle shelf, top, and bottom.
  6. The side and back adjacent to the wall can be a real problem. You will most likely have some minor wall repair. Again, try a pry bar where the studs are located and on the floor.