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hoity · Sep 2, 2006, 10:14 AM

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 circuit 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 · Sep 2, 2006, 04:57 PM

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 · Sep 6, 2006, 02:36 PM

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

bhayne · Sep 6, 2006, 03:24 PM

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 · Sep 6, 2006, 03:29 PM

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 · Sep 8, 2006, 09:41 AM

In the past, panels were ordered by selecting a box, the internal bus work and the breakers. All were ordered independently. 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 · Mar 8, 2007, 09:12 AM

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

nmwirez · Mar 8, 2007, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by ColGrayBeard

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

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 · Mar 8, 2007, 12:29 PM

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 · Mar 8, 2007, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

tkrussell · Mar 8, 2007, 03:40 PM

Changing the interior of any panel is not allowed due to UL listings and restrictions.

However there are exceptions to all rules. If modifying a piece of electrical gear is more practical than replacing, A UL rep will visit the jobsite to review the installation and apply a Field UL Label, making the gear UL and NEC compliant.

The base fee for a visit by a UL rep is $1500.00

This obviously is only practical for large industrial equipment.

A local inspector may allow a panel to be modified due to unusual circumstances. but very rarely, if ever.

As far as location of panels, bathrooms and closets are off limits, otherwise as long as the front of a panel will have at least 30 inch wide clearance, a panel can go anywhere else.

nmwirez · Mar 8, 2007, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Changing the interior of any panel is not allowed due to UL listings and restrictions.
As far as location of panels, bathrooms and closets are off limits, otherwise as long as the front of a panel will have at least 30 inch wide clearance, a panel can go anywhere else.

I am thinking accessible attic. With clearance provisions of course.

Nm:)

tkrussell · Mar 8, 2007, 07:02 PM

Readily accessible only, which means stairs, not a ladder.

nmwirez · Mar 8, 2007, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Readily accessible only, which means stairs, not a ladder.

Could be a pull down, by any chance?

tkrussell · Mar 9, 2007, 02:10 AM

Yes.

nmwirez · Mar 9, 2007, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Yes.

You are an expert! Nm:)

gunterh · Jun 22, 2010, 09:42 AM

Old thread, but I just found it.

I'm planning on moving our breaker, as the previous owners didn't mind having the circuit breaker in the shower, and me being fussy and all. I see the junction box comment, so I can "splice" both the in and out lines and run to a less showery location? Can they both (in/out) be in the same junction box? (doesn't seem likely, but what do I know). Thanks.

tkrussell · Jun 22, 2010, 01:55 PM

If the "IN" is directly from the meter, with no breaker at the beginning, then no, this is utility line and must be separated from any load wires.

Utility lines from a meter with no breaker are only allowed to run into a home a very short distance. Code states "immediately", inspectors often allow no more than 10 feet of cable

Panel in the shower?

Please post a picture of this.

gunterh · Jun 22, 2010, 02:08 PM

It really is this close to the shower head.

This is a rural home, so we have a pole in the backyard, where the meter is mounted. There is a shut off, otherwise I'd not get anywhere near this project. The lines run from there to the house (~20ft), then down from the crest of the house to the bathroom. I likely could pull the lines up into the semi-finished room upstairs and not put in a junction box, but looking for options.

Thanks.

gunterh · Jun 22, 2010, 02:09 PM

Whoops looks like the picture didn't post. Let's try the direct approach.

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