I've got an older home that's been renovated over the years -- sometimes in questionable ways.

We'd like to update the kitchen and sell the house, and the fuse panel for the house is directly over the kitchen sink! I'm wondering if this is kosher, or do I have to move it before selling the house? My community goes by the National Electric Code.

Thanks for any input.

The panel certainly does not belong there.To keep why or how it got there off the radar screen, better to relocate one or the other.

The panel certainly does not belong there.To keep why or how it got there off the radar screen, better to relocate one or the other.


Thanks for the info. I figured that didn't conform to code.

So how far does it need to be from the sink? Can it be over the kitchen counter a couple feet from the sink? I'd like to do this without a major rewiring job.

Thanks again for the info.

It may be easier to move the sink than to move the panel. If you moved the panel say 4' to the right half your wiring is 4' too long and the other half will be 4' too short. You can't just slice on 4' of wire. Updating the kitchen sounds like a new counter top isn't out of the question. I'd try for 6' between the panel and any plumbing fixture but do not know the exact code. Be sure to add GFI breakers or outlet along the counter. You should not be able to touch any plumbing and any electric box at the same time unless its' GFI protected.

The panel needs 30 inch clear space side to side in front of it, and out 36 inch. The 30 " space can start on either side or edge of the panel.

The panel needs 30 inch clear space side to side in front of it, and out 36 inch. The 30 " space can start on either side or edge of the panel.

So are you saying that the panel can't be over the counter even if it's 30" from the sink?

No, you need to be able to stand directly in front of the panel, and have 30 inch wide space to stand in.