Residential Panel Location

[darrenh]

I was wondering if putting a panel in a attic that is decked with plenty of walking space, illumiated very good, and has access by stairs would be any violation of the NEC? Only thing I see that could be questioned is if its readily accessible or not.

 

[ceb58]

I was wondering if putting a panel in a attic that is decked with plenty of walking space, illumiated very good, and has access by stairs would be any violation of the NEC? Only thing I see that could be questioned is if its readily accessible or not.

As long as it meets 110.26 I see it as no different than if it were in a garage. We all know how that goes, move car, bicycles, boxes and the lawnmower and you might make it to the panel.

 

[darrenh]

Thanks, I didn't see any violation either. I was just wondering if the inspector would frown upon it because the stairs to the attic is in the garage.

 

[jumper]

Are these pull down stairs or built in permanent?

 

[darrenh]

Permanent stairs in garage and pull down stairs in house it's all attached under one roof and attic is fully decked to walk though

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have done a few in my days. I have never had an issue with it as long as 110.26 is met. In your case I see the panel as readily accessible.

 

[darrenh]

Seems it would be a more common practice because in most cases it will shorten most of your wire pulls.

 

[masterinbama]

Do it quite often here when finishing out the bonus space over a garage. Then again most of those are in walk in attics, but I see no difference if you have permanent stairs.

 

[kwired]

Why is it any different than having to walk down the stairs to get to a panel located in a basement?

 

[n1ist]

Some attics get rather toasty. That may be an issue.
/mike

 

[GoldDigger]

Some attics get rather toasty. That may be an issue.
/mike

Whereas some basements get rather flooded from time to time.

 

[MarineTech]

Can you be more specific in describing the panel. Is it a service panel or a remote panel? Where is the main disconnect (Main Breaker)?

Thanks

 

[kwired]

Can you be more specific in describing the panel. Is it a service panel or a remote panel? Where is the main disconnect (Main Breaker)?

Thanks

I don't see where it would matter if it were a service or feeder supplied panel. You want minimal service conductors entering the structure just like you would on any other floor. It is likely longer distance to grounding electrodes, but there is no limitation on length of grounding electrode conductors.