Hi Marc,
Marc M wrote:what if any, are the minimum requirements for the installation of an SEP/remote panelboard into a fire rated wall assembly?
Are you referring to an actual fire-resistance rated assembly or to a "separation" wall between a private garage and its adjoining dwelling unit?
Regarding the electrical panel (which is my preferred term as it designates either a service equipment panel or a non-service equipment panel, i.e., 'remote panel') in an actual fire-resistance rated assembly, that would not be allowed without continuing the fire-resistance rated assembly around behind the electrical panel enclosure.
Regarding it being installed in a separation wall, there are two camps on that. One is 'Oh, it isn't that bad and it's always been done.', which some how makes it okay, I guess. The other is 'No, that is not allowed as the minimum 1/2 inch gypsum board has a large hole in it now.'
I have not yet seen where the electrical panel is a substitute for the 1/2 inch gypsum board, but I can understand the reasoning for the other side. That reasoning being that if the electrical panel enclosure is designed to keep an electrical fire *in* the panel enclosure, then it should also work to keep a fire *out* of the panel enclosure. One must admit that the argument makes sense, but still ... it is approved for that use? And that I am not sure of.
The term "remote panelboard" is not an NEC term, but it is sometimes used to differentiate a panel which is not the service equipment and is "remote" from the service equipment, i.e., it is not a service equipment panel.