I am considering constructing a walk-in closet in what is currently hallway space in my home. One of the walls that would form the interior of the new closet currently holds a curcuit breaker box. I don't want to have a circuit breaker in a closet where access could be blocked, so building this closet would require relocating this box. Are there any restrictions I should be aware of that would make moving a circuit breaker to another wall impractical?

tkrussell

Code really has none on the move, it does require the panel to be moved as panels are not allowed in closets or bathrooms, some states don't allow panels under stairs. May be best to check with local codes, as they may have their own restrictions.

Use a large junction box, or even better 4x4 or 6x6 wireway (or wire trough) to splice all the branch cables. Be sure the junction box cover is accessible, the cover can be located in the closet, or behind an access panel.

Try to get located on an interior wall to allow easy future cable additions.

waterdoctor

Can you upgrade a 100 amp service to a 150 or200 using the same box, and just changing the guts inside....?

bhayne

A 100A service will have size 2AWG supply conductors from the meter base.

You will need supply conductors that are sized to handle the increased current. The simple answer is NO.

tkrussell

Technically, no, since the interior is an assembly with the box, and doing what you suggest will violate the UL listing of the new panelboard.

Only in a very difficult situation, like a panel box embedded in masonry, would an inspector allow the practice of leaving the box and just changing the interior.

bhayne

In the past, panels were ordered by selecting a box, the internal bus work and the breakers. All were ordered independantly. This was troublesome for the poor designers. Now, panels are ordered as complet units and even have standard package of breakers.

You may be able to replace the bus work and breakers in the box to increase the amperage of the mains, but, unfortunately, you are still left with the original supply conductor.

ColGrayBeard

I would leave the old box in place an add another box. You can add additional branch circuits from the other box.

nmwirez

Hi ColGrayBeard,
As ktRussel says, the breaker panel cannot remain in the closet when it encloses the panel access and possible fire hazard that hanging clothes will cause.

One thought that has not been asked is...Can the panel be rotated to face the other side of the wall? (i.e. bedroom, utility room, living room etc.) nm

ColGrayBeard

There are two questions running together here:
Question 1: Circuit breaker panel in the closet - I agree with everyone - code says it can't go there. Rotating it to the wall behind is a great idea - if it is practical.

Question 2: Can you upgrade a 100 amp service to a 150 or 200 using the same box, and just changing the guts inside....? Depending on the box - maybe. Some older Square D boxes could have some upgrades. I don't know about the others. You will still need to change the wiring from the meter base. I would add another box and run additional branch circuits from the new box. Leave the old box in place.

nmwirez

Gutting a subpanel or panelboard must not alter the original manufactured part other than breaker loading and wiring interface and grounding bonding terminal installation.

Forget 150 amp panelboard. Costs more than a 200amp.

If done under permit, expect to get tagged on a gut job unless all parts are UL qualified for the installed OEM enclosure.

Sorry. nm