Covers for Variable Air Volume Boxes

what covers are you referring to? if it is the electrical components anything over 10v needs to be enclosed.

The VAV boxes are located along the HVAC ductwork. They have control units attached to them. The controlunit is about 6"x3"x3" and is centered on the wall of the VAV box. Dimensions of the VAV box are roughly 15"x15"x15". Contractor is proposing a sheetmetal cover for the entire apparatus VAV box and control unit. Price is outrageous. Trying to find a solution to cover just the control unit itself.

the controller is 24 vac so if the terminals are exposed, they need to be covered per nec. we have never been gigged for not covering the controller terminals and we have thousands exposed in cielings in manhattan and nj. my only consideration is protection from physical damage. if that is likely you can have a small sheet metal cover fabbed inexpensively from countless job shops. we fab our own for most jobs. 28 guage is cheap and at the size you are stateing it would be overkill. on my jobs i usually spec warren boxes. they have the best air valve, the service is great and the pricing is very competetive. they charge almost nothing to install and wire the controller in an enclosure right from the factory. your problem is your contractor is really his own inspector if it's in the 5 boros so he will push for his wallet. if you need help my e-mail is conwaymech@yahoo.com.

What brand is the VAV? Can you get a name off of the units that do have covers?

You might be able to find a small job shop specializing in prototype work that could fab a few dozen to match an existing cover.

Please be specific. You do not need a cover for a sheet metal VAV box. You actually need a cover for control unit which is attached to the VAV box. I agree with conwaymech and would recommend the same. Mechanically, there is no violation but NEC comes in because of control unit and it has to be addressed.

Good luck in finding a cheaper control unit cover and not VAV cover.

Thanks for all the input guys! The cover will be fabricated for the controller only. The VAVs are exposed in the sub basement at working level and not within the ceiling, therefore the cover is necessary. They are still being quoted at $1100 a piece and must be of quantity no less then seven. Does this seem outrageous?

SHOULD BE IN THE RANGE OF AT MAX 30 EACH FROM SHOP AND 4 SELF TAPPERS TO PUT THEM ON. NEXT TIME YOUR IN THE MARKET TO BUY FOR 1100 APIECE, KEEP ME IN MIND. EVEN WITH THE REHEATS I COULD SELL THE BOXES AND THE CONTROLLERS AT THAT PRICE AND MAKE A PROFIT.