proper distance from plumbing

[bryanclark]

I'm lookng at buying a house and after the 2nd inspection - the last one done buy a lisenced electrician - he remarker that the panel (a Zinsco - I know, I'm getting it replaced soon) was too close to plumbing (must be at least 3 feet away if it's in front of the panel. He suggested that it might be cheaper to get a plumber to come out and move the pipes rather than moving the panel.

Just looking for a second opinion.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[charlie b]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

If you are having the panel replaced anyway, that might be the time to look into moving it to a new location. But that would mean routing all of the conduits that enter the existing panel, so that they go to the new location. Not cheap. You would have to ask the plumber about the cost of moving a pipe.

But for the record, yes, you do need three feet of clear space in front of the panel. The space must be at least 30 inches wide, and run essentially from the floor to the ceiling. Nothing is allowed in that "box."

 

[jbwhite]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

3 feet is the working clearance from anything, not just plumbing.

 

[bryanclark]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

Even if its an older house? They keep wanting to BS about how it's "grandfathered in". I keep saying - I may not live to be one unless this S*** gets corrected.

[ December 30, 2005, 06:17 PM: Message edited by: bryanclark ]

 

[celtic]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

Originally posted by bryanclark:
Even if its an older house? They keep wanting to BS about how it's "grandfathered in".

At the time it was installed it *may* have been code compliant.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

The Zinsco would worry me more than a pipe.Just how close is this pipe ? Keep in mind the 30 inches starts from either side you want and does not need be in the center.You might not want to push to hard if its close.Your planning on redoing panel anyways so maybe get the price differance to move it over out of the way and ask seller to help with that extra.I see this kind of violation often.Not saying its ok but often it happens.

[ December 30, 2005, 07:33 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]

 

[infinity]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

Around here a service replacement in an existing dwelling would not have to meet all of the working clearance requirements. We have done many service replacements with the water meter, ducts, pipes, etc. all in the zone that normally would require working clearance without any problems from the AHJ. NJ has a rehab code which stresses that sometimes the non complaint replacement is a safer improvement over the existing installation. Replacing a Federal Pacific service is one that comes to mind.

 

[petersonra]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

I am amazed that the People's Republic of NJ would be so reasonable on this point.

 

[celtic]

Re: proper distance from plumbing

Originally posted by petersonra:
I am amazed that the People's Republic of NJ would be so reasonable on this point.

Yes Comrade, the Republic is sometimes lenient. The complete manifesto can be found here:
NJ's Rehab Sub-Code

Below are some of my favorite sections:
Rules That Make Sense?New Jersey's Rehabilitation Subcode

Guidance Document

Categories of Work and Applicable Requirements

It was only within the past few years that I discovered the Rehab-Code...it can be quite a helpful document.

The actual Rehab Code (in .pdf format ~ needs Adobe reader)