Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

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rick92563

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Can't find my old code book ,so could anyone ] remind me if I could put a 200 amp sub panel in the laundry room?

Edited to remove the e-mail address. Please use the Private Messaging system and exchange e-mail addresses there.

Thanks,
Charlie

[ November 19, 2004, 09:01 AM: Message edited by: charlie ]
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

Don't see a problem with it, however keep in mind all clearance requirements of article 110.
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

This is something that could be open to interpretation. Section 240.24((D) states that "overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitible material, such as clothes closets."

I suppose one could argue that a laundry room is a location were clothes will be stored similar to that of a closet and therefore a panelboard should not be locate there. Then again, many panelboards are installed in garages were they are in the "vicinity" of easily iginitible materials like gasoline containers.

I would simply get AHJ approval before placing a loadcenter in a laundry room. I think in most cases, if adequate working space and equipment space can be maintained, the location will be fine.
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

In my 60 year old house, the main panel is in the same room as the laundry equipment. I have tried to discourage the storage of clothes in that area. Once something is clean, it should be put away. But I don?t think the code would prohibit the installation you are describing.
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

Other than working space clearances no problem. This is NOT a clothes closet. You could take that article and require a panel to be installed in a concrete wall behind a fire door. Wht not just say no panels in closets and leave it at that.
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I see no problem with it either, unless plan on placing the panel in an area of the room where easily ignitible material will be stored. ;)
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I have installed a few in the laundry.I think its a better choice than the garage or a hall way.Perhaps behind the door so no chance of any storage
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I've recently installed one in a laundry room surrounded by a shelving unit. No doors in front of the one space in which the subpanel is located. I haven't been inspected yet but my take was that as long as the panel remains unobstructed I'd get no grief. I hope I'm right on this.

[ November 20, 2004, 02:13 AM: Message edited by: DjZee ]
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

Originally posted by DjZee:
I've recently installed one in a laundry room surrounded by a shelving unit.
Click to expand...
110.26 requires 30" side to side at the panel from the floor to 6.5 feet up.
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

posted by iwire:
110.26 requires 30" side to side at the panel from the floor to 6.5 feet up.
Click to expand...
I'm going to have a problem then. Do you know what the rationale behind these dimensions are? There may be some reasonable explanation that can mitigate the code requirement in the inspector's mind if I knew the thought behind the section. :confused:
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

It is so the electrician will have enough room to work on the equipment. I hope you don't have an inspector that feels sorry for you and lets it slide. The space is for safety and accessibility.

Most of the rules in the Code are for safety of either the person working on the equipment or the persons who will come in contact with it. :D
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I have installed a few in the laundry.I think its a better choice than the garage or a hall
Click to expand...
My own opinion The laundry room is not a good choice for a panel as the moisture from the steam that escapes the dryer and washer combined with the corrosive effect of detergents will cause allot of corrosion in the panel.

While we might not have a choice sometimes but when we do have to mount one in a corrosive environment try to stay with copper buss type panels.
I have found that this location is one of the place's that seems to have a high failing rate for breaker contact to the buss.

Just something to think about when choosing locations for panels. ;)
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

Good point Hurk, but do you think that an exhaust fan will help prevent what you address?
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

Article 240.32 Damp or Wet Location. Enclosures for overcurrent devices in damp or wet location shall comply with 312.2(A)

312.2(A)Damp or Wet Location. In damp or wet locations, surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet.... Enlosures installed in wet location shall be weatherproof

Code allows laundry area provided overcurrent protection enclosures are protected from moisture :D
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

It is permitted but I think you might be missing the point hurk27 is making. The NEC is (yes I'm saying this) a minimum standard. There are more than a few things I might not do even though the NEC may allow it. Just my thought. :)

Edit: I don't want to sound like I'm saying you shouldn't do it. But I am saying Wayne's perspective has merit!

[ November 21, 2004, 04:48 AM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

IMO the typical home laundry is not a damp location.

I believe a typical basement is more humid than a laundry and panels are often located there. :)
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I agree with Bob on this one. The only source for humidity is from the washer since the dryer is vented outside. If the lid is down on a top loader (front loaders, by definition, are sealed with a gasket), not much moisture will escape into the air. Our laundry room is always dry and my service equipment is located right next to the washer. I have had no problem with any moisture but I may with time, the house is only 35 years old. :D
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I personally cannot see the laundry room/area as being a damp location. The equipment and proper installation of it provides to remove most of, if not all of the moisture.
Thanksgiving is coming, and with all of the cooking taking place stand in the kitchen (if the 'boss' allows it :D ), and you will see much moisture coming off of the cooking surface, yet the NEC permits standard receptacles.

I have seen outside installations of panels installed with 3R enclosures that are in much worse shape than panels located in laundry rooms.

Pierre
 
Re: Panel in the laundry rm ok ?

I agree with you Bob and Bryan, the basement, although typical, probably has a lower asset to deficit ratio.
 
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