Main panel location

[douglaskeith]

We are doing a complete remodel and are relocating the service entrance. The main panel will be located directly behind the houses back door (inside), this is also the laundry room which measurews 6'x10'. The house has had new plastic water supply lines installed. I was told (by another contractor) that the main panel cannot be within 6' of any plumbing fixtures. Is that true?
The main panel is on the south wall, the north wall which is 6' away has an on demand H2O heater mounted on the wall under which will be a laundry sink which will of course extend out into the room 2' (making the front of the sink 4' away the main panel). I know my panel has the proper accessible clearance, but am I missing any thing? Over the phone my inspector okayed this location but we did not discuss the location of any plumbing. I hate to have to move this later.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Main panel location

As long as you have the 30 x 36 clearance and it is not installed in a bathroom there is nothing wrong with this senario.Where did this 6 ft. from plumbing come from????

 

[jro]

Re: Main panel location

NEC 2002, OCP, ART. 240.24 (D) Not in vicinty of easily ignitible material, this question came up on a master electricians test, SBCCI. Could you install a panel in a laundry room where dirty clothes can pile up? The right answer was "NO"!

 

[bennie]

Re: Main panel location

That is really a stretch to prohibit a very good location for the panel. Applying the same logic we will have to go back to being cave dwellers.

Rules for what may happen, are equivalent to voodoo.

 

[definitive]

Re: Main panel location

Bennie,
You should have your own t.v. show.

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Main panel location

Jro, you are joking....right? Every panel installed in a basement or anyplace less than a concrete vault would be in violation under that logic.

 

[jro]

Re: Main panel location

It would help if you would throw in a code reference or two, to back up your reply, I thought this was a forum to learn from not to criticize ???????

 

[bennie]

Re: Main panel location

jro: I hope you don't feel that I am criticizing you personally. I am criticizing the question. That is an irresponsible question with no logic.

[ May 14, 2003, 10:04 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]

 

[jro]

Re: Main panel location

No I don't take that way , so, can you install a panel with ocps in a laundry room ?

 

[bennie]

Re: Main panel location

jro: Unless it is specifically forbidden, it is permitted.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Main panel location

jro,
Where did you find a definition of "in the vicinty of easily ignitible material"? I see no problem installing a panel in the laundry room. As Scott said, if you apply that to the laundry room, then where can we install the panel. In my opinion the wood studs that the panel is attached to are every bit as ingnitable as the pile of clothes on the floor in front of the panel and closer to the potential source of heat. What about on a wood paneled wall, can we install a panel there? Where can we install a panel using your definition of "in the vicinty of easily ignitible material"?
Don

 

[jro]

Re: Main panel location

You are way of track my friend, I simply stated what was on a Master Electricians Test. I never stated "JRO SAID THIS IS THE WAY THINGS MUST BE DONE !!!!!" It also depends on the Authority Having Jurisdiction NEC 2002 Art. 80.2 80.13. As for my code ref. NEC 2002 Art. 240.24 (D).

 

[electricmanscott]

Re: Main panel location

Whoa, easy there. There is absolutley no reason you can't install a panel in a laundry room. That test question is obviously flawed.

 

[jro]

Re: Main panel location

Thank you Electricmanscott, I agree 1001% with you.