4 electricians gave estimates to upgrade a service box from 100 to 200 amps. Only one felt that the new panel should definitely be moved because the old one is smaller and sits up against the gas meter piping on one side and the corner of the garage on the other, leaving only inches around the panel. He felt it might be a matter of code violation for the inspector. The others said no it would not be a violation because the code of 3 feet (which they all seemd to interprete differently (three total feet or three feet on each side?)) only applied to new construction. An upgrade could go back into the same place. One of the other electricians felt that it would be more convienet to run new wire to the panel in the new open space and it was a judgement call,but not as a matter of code, but because it might be a better location. Since it is going to make a different of almost 300 dollars to move the box, I want to find out more to see if it is worth it. Does anyone know the code refernece in the 2008 nec? Should I spend that extra money to better locate a panel that the original builder did not put in the best spot even if code does not require it?


Thanks

Did any of these electricians mention that you need to contact the power company before moving the panel?

Normally the EC contacts the POCO. No need for the HO to do anything, accept let them do their job.

If you have an EC selected, then consult with the EC.

How can they interpret this differently? It is VERY clear.

30" (NOT 36") side to side total, NOT 30" on each side. The panel also DOES NOT need to be centered in this 30" space.
36" in front of the panel.
6'-6" height .

6'-6" height
6 fT 7" :)

6 fT 7" :)No, 6'-7" is the maximum height of a breaker handle.
6'-6" is the minimum working clearance headroom. :)
See NEC 110.26(E)

No, 6'-7" is the maximum height of a breaker handle.
6'-6" is the minimum working clearance headroom. :)
See NEC 110.26(E)
I'm well aware of the heights!! I should have read the thread. I assumed you was talking about handle height!
Sorry!! Are we still friends!:D:cool::p

No. Because of this you are now my arch enemy! :eek:









:cool:
:p