Outside load center for a home

[tonype]

Is there any requirement that a load center be inside a home? Saw a home yesterday with a Siemens W3040B1200CU load center - all outside. No service equipment is interior.

 

[480sparky]

Never been outside the NE corridor, have you?

Very common in many parts of the country.

 

[ericsherman37]

My old neighbor at my old house had his panel right next to his front door, outside.

Doorbell, wall-mounted mail box, "home sweet home" painted tile, then a panel. It was really ugly.

So yeah, i'd say it's permitted but the panel has to be designed for the outdoor location.... rain and wind and all that....

 

[480sparky]

Here's a couple photos I was able to find: (Not my work!!!!!!)

 

[tonype]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Outside locations are kinda sucky though, especially when it is snowing, zero degrees and something trips!

 

[celtic]

Is there any requirement that a load center be inside a home?

Only that 110.26 is followed and you have POCO approval for the stack [it's understood it will be a NEMA 3R enclosure].

 

[augie47]

wow! can we play "count the violations"

(being outside, not being a violation)

(sparkey, you were quick to disavow the job)

 

[480sparky]

wow! can we play "count the violations"

(being outside, not being a violation)

(sparkey, you were quick to disavow the job)

I can't claim the work because it's not done that way here.

I ain't gonna stop you. I noticed some myself, so knock yourself out!

 

[iwire]

Is there any requirement that a load center be inside a home? Saw a home yesterday with a Siemens W3040B1200CU load center - all outside. No service equipment is interior.

Not a problem at all assuming it is NEMA 3R rated.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

There are jurisdictions where you will not see any service disconnecting means inside.

I have had many electricians say to me that service disconnects/panels should be banned from outside locations...I never could understand why they say this.

 

[nakulak]

when I upgraged my service I put a fused disco outside. I think every house should have one for the fireman.

 

[LarryFine]

when I upgraged my service I put a fused disco outside. I think every house should have one for the fireman.

Depends on how big his mobile home is.

 

[ericsherman37]

In the first picture... what is that strap attaching the service mast to the wall? It looks like a kindorf strap but...... no kindorf. :-?

Is it one of these? http://www.electriciansupplies.com/productimages/thobetc00022_a49_tr_001.jpg

 

[Flex]

In the first picture... what is that strap attaching the service mast to the wall? It looks like a kindorf strap but...... no kindorf. :-?

Might be a mini

 

[Cow]

In the first picture... what is that strap attaching the service mast to the wall?

Minerallac strap, aka the minnie.

I have had many electricians say to me that service disconnects/panels should be banned from outside locations...I never could understand why they say this.

That's pretty stupid IMO. So stupid, I wouldn't even dignify it with a response had someone told me that.

 

[220/221]

Meter/panel combos......Always outside in AZ.

 

[ptonsparky]

For older homes that need an update sometimes outside is easier than trying to find a location that meets code on the inside. Keeping an open mind can save you headaches and your customer money.

 

[infinity]

Never been outside the NE corridor, have you?

Very common in many parts of the country.

Not common here at all. Given the fact that most houses have basements or garages you'll rarely see the panel on the outside of the house.

 

[480sparky]

Not common here at all. Given the fact that most houses have basements or garages you'll rarely see the panel on the outside of the house.

Same here. I'd probably have to drive 500 miles before I saw a house with the panel outside.

 

[bobsherwood]

Panel on the front porch.... ring the bell.. turn off a few breakers.. that'll get there attention.