Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

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acn24

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Currently doing a project where my client has asked me to relocate the electrical panel into the bathroom. What does the NEC state about having a panel inside the bathroom ?
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

You can't do it.

240.24 (E)

[ March 01, 2005, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: peter d ]
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

At no time anywhere is a panel allowed in a bathroom. If the bathroom is large enough to build an electrical closet around your panel with a 3' outswing door in front of panel is something that I did in the past. The panel is no longer in the bathroom and you have the 3' of working space requirement.
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

This project is in a 1 bedroom apartment( 1 occupant ). Is it not allowed due to access or is it because it is in a damp location ?
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

Originally posted by acn24:
This project is in a 1 bedroom apartment( 1 occupant ). Is it not allowed due to access or is it because it is in a damp location ?
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The simple answer is that it can't be done because the Code says it can't. :D

Yes, because it's a damp location.
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

It would be OK in a commercial or industrial occupancy as long as it is not the service overcurrent device but the likelihood of high moisture is not as great. :D
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

Yep 230.70(A)(2) No service disconnecting means in a bathroom. No matter what type of structure
240.24(E) No over current device in a bathroom in a dwelling, other than supplementary overcurrent protection.
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

That's something that irritates me. 230 makes it clear that services aren't allowed in bathrooms. You flip to 408 and it says nothing, leading to the assumption that it's ok.

But 240 is what keeps panels out of bathrooms.

I think a proposal to put that into 408 is in order, IMO.
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

OK George, you are permitted to place a panelboard in a residential bathroom so it is no problem for Article 408. Just keep in mind that Article 240 is for overcurrent protection. Article 240 tells you that you are not permitted to put overcurrent devices in a residential bathroom. Now, what are you going to do with an empty panelboard?

The Code is broken up into distinct parts in order for most things to be together. All overcurrent protection is covered in Article 240. The list in Section 240.3 permits the protection of certain equipment and devices to be covered in different locations. You will notice that Article 408 is listed. Therefore (even with all the grief I tried to give you in the first paragraph), a proposal for this Article would be in order. :D
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

Uh...what? :D Are we agreeing or... :D

It's a funny issue, because it's flimsy yet solid at the same time. :D

Now, what are you going to do with an empty panelboard?
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Impromtu piggybank? Industrial grade cereal bowl? :D
 
Re: Relocation of breaker panel into bathroom

Funny story....

Back in 1997 I did a commercial job and it was for a oriental rug place ( those rugs are heavy ) and they mount on the wall all over the place.

I chose to place the panel in a bathroom that was NOT open to the public and was a handicap access bathroom....yet again not open to the public...hmmmm....anyway...figure who is telling the truth on that one...anyway...

I placed the panel in the bathroom and was rejected for it. NOW, at the time the NEC being adopted around here was 1996 and it says no panels in bathrooms of dwellings...just that word alone I went over the local inspectors head to the head inspector and guess what...they allowed my panel in the bathroom....

Also since it was not easily accessable behind 150 pound rugs...but he ended up saying it was allowed because of the word dwelling....in the ruling....and it was not a dwelling so he allowed it....and to be honest with you it was the BEST place for it...RUGS everywhere...lol
 
OK Electrical Contractor.

OK Electrical Contractor.

I have read the threads about this ?
I have a Sub panel, that is currently in the bath of a Eye DR. office. We are going to remove it because it is a Fed. Pac.
The Dr. wants it back in the same place.
Searching the NEC I read 230.70.A.2 that states Service disconnects shall not be in Bathrooms.
My service disconnect is outside.
then 240.24.E states
Overcurrent devices in dwellings, hotel, motel guest suites, shall not be in bathrooms.
This still does not cover my Sub panel.
I think I can leave it as the Dr. wants.
I do however have a call in to the A. H. J.
So we will see.
Tony
 
Starting a new thread might be more beneficial than raising the dead ....while you're at it, your location would also be quite helpful.
 
TonyEEINC said:
I have read the threads about this ?
I have a Sub panel, that is currently in the bath of a Eye DR. office. We are going to remove it because it is a Fed. Pac.
The Dr. wants it back in the same place.
Searching the NEC I read 230.70.A.2 that states Service disconnects shall not be in Bathrooms.
My service disconnect is outside.
then 240.24.E states
Overcurrent devices in dwellings, hotel, motel guest suites, shall not be in bathrooms.
This still does not cover my Sub panel.
I think I can leave it as the Dr. wants.
I do however have a call in to the A. H. J.
So we will see.
Tony
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Tony I believe you can replace the panel and leave it in the bathroom. Your application is not affected by 240.24E. You have my blessings although you may want to avoid a fight with the inspector and let him/her know what you are going to do.
 
I think panels in bathrooms are only prohibited in dwellings. Otherwise every Walmart in America would be in violation of the NEC.
 
amptech said:
I think panels in bathrooms are only prohibited in dwellings. Otherwise every Walmart in America would be in violation of the NEC.
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You are correct 240.24(E) only applys to dwelling units and guest rooms or guest suites of hotels and motels.

Chris
 
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