Is there any limitation with respect to locating a service panel or NM wire near a masonry chimney? I'm installing a new service panel in my house and the ideal location would be set in the wood framing I have around my center chimney.

The Chimney is boxed in with wood framing and the wiring to the service panel would run up and down this channel to the second floor and crawlspace.

The chimney is no longer used - it was originally used for a oil furnace in the crawlspace but the furnace has since been replaced with an outside venting gas boiler on the first floor. Unfortunately, I don't think the Inspector will take this fact into consideration...

Appropriate fire stops would be used between floors...

Tom

I don't see a problem with what you propose.

Question,

Don't the POCO and NEC have guidelines regarding the position of the Service Panel with respect to the Service Entry Point?

No, the NEC requires the Service Disconnecting Means, AKA Main Breaker, to be installed immediately as the service entrance conductors enter the building, or be outdoors.

Utility companies will always refer to the NEC.

Thanks, that also explains a little more for me about that problem in Canada where the poster used a 200 Amp switch to feed three different panelboards.