electrical panel in a kitchen?

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greenlee

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Can anyone tell me if there are requirements in location or placement of an electrical panel in a kitchen in a single-family dwelling?

We put an electrical panel in the kitchen of a single-family home ( New House )by request of the home owner. We were turn down today by the electrical inspector because he said that he can touch the panel with one hand and touch the kitchen sink with his other hand. Now, the panel has three foot clearance in front of it, more like 14 foot. Has anyone heard of this crazy rule, because we haven't nor can find anything in the code book.

For example: how far away does it have to be from the kitchen sink?

Thanks

[ June 11, 2004, 10:33 PM: Message edited by: greenlee ]
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

Ok so he can touch both,where is the problem with that ? I bet i can touch an outlet and sink too.This guy needs to cite code or pass it or maybe he needs training.Here you must be a master to become an inspector.
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

I can't think of any reason a panel couldn't be installed in a kitchen. Location to sinks, or any other conductive surface has no bearing. :)
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

If you could touch the bathroom sink that might be an issue, since panels aren't allowed in (dwelling unit) bathrooms. Green tag from me. :)
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

I dont bond kitchen sinks. They usually have plastic pipe in my area. Am I missing something?
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

No need to bond it or that steel bathtub.If we have work space then there is no reason for the electrician to touch that sink.How many of us have done service calls and found the panel over the kitchen counter ? I have.Also often we have a panel within reach of a washer and dryer in garage or laundry room.
This inspector needs dealt with by his boss.And we all have a boss at some level.Just how did he get to be an inspector ? Grandfathered in maybe.
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

I have had similar situations, I make it my business to go to inspection meets with a pen and pad. The only thing that gets written down are code sections of applicable violations. It is the inspectors primary obligation as a civil servant to cite the code. The majority of us want to meet or exceed code requirements, and want to learn from are mistakes (if there are any)!
 
Re: electrical panel in a kitchen?

You guys can count your blessings ;) , we have a new inspector here (whose son is the vice president of the company), I will tell you some things he is violating.
1. No porcelain fixtures
2. Undercabinet transformer too warm to the touch, he wants a bigger one
3. It is too dark in the unfinished attic, he wants fixtures added in all of the dark places (remember no porcelains)
4. He wants a switch controled single receptacle mounted on the countertop for ... refridgerators. Can you believe it?
Etc...

I received a call from a contractor who has been in business more than 25 years, and on ONE job, he had 31 violations.
He has been inspecting in one town, and in two weeks, he has not passed a job. OUCH!!!

His methods are currently being looked into.

Pierre
 
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