Subpanel location

[Guest]

Hello, I am a newbie to this board. I have been out of the trades for several years due to a workplace injury. My first comment is: Be careful out there, you only have one body to break. I am now the walking wounded. To get back in the game I'm doing some weekend electrical work at home that will be inspected (I have a permit).

I want to put a 12/24 125-amp sub-panel in the middle of my house. The only place that makes sense is in a bedroom in a corner behind the door coming in to the room.

Question:
1. How close to a corner can I put a subpanel?
2. Can I put it behind a swinging door? When the door is closed the panel will be completely clear, but when the door is open it will obscure the panel. Are there any restrictions?
3. Other than a closet where else can I NOT put a subpanel?

I need an answer soon. Are there any free online code snippets or FAQ's? THANKS!

 

[steve66]

Re: Subpanel location

My boss & I frequently put panels behind the doors in commercial buildings. We like those locations because the clients have to leave them clear (they can't stack cases of TP or other items there). We have never had any code reviewer's make an issue of it. However, I have often wondered about the electricians having to work behind a door that someone could shove open. It seems like that could push an electrician into the panel. I kind of assume the electricians put up a "Do not Enter" sign or something else when working behind the doors.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Subpanel location

You have to allow working clearance 30" wide or the width of the panel, whichever is greater. The depth is 36 " from the front of the panel, nothing can be above or below it. The panel can not be in a "clothes closet" It has to be readily accessible as well.
With the door closed it should be OK, if not your inspector will let you know.

 

[Guest]

Re: Subpanel location

Thank you for the quick replies. I am hoping to get more comments. Personally, I feel that behind a door would be ideal because it will never get "blocked in". I hope the inspector agrees. I'm doing the work today. I know s/he will tell me if it's OK when s/he does the inpection, but I hate to tear out and relocated new work! Keep the suggestions and answers coming! Many thanks.

 

[Guest]

Re: Subpanel location

Oh, is there any "inside corner rule"? Do I need to keep the panel say 12" from an inside corner? I only need to know the NEC answer. Code section reference would be helpful, but not mandatory. Thanks!!!

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: Subpanel location

as Tom stated, you need 30" wide and 36" in front. as far as the corner, stay out far enough that the knob is not in the 36" space, don't give the inspector a technicallity to fail you.
alot of mobile homes have the panel behind the bedroom door.