I have a water line that is ran directly above but right behind my panel. Is this a code violation? If so is their a minimum distance around the panel you have to be? Or is it OK as long as its not above the panel?

It sounds like you are not within the dedicated space required for a panel, (NEC 110.26), so legally you may be OK, although I would not be happy with a water line so close to a 480V panel in my house...

This is a code violation, unless there is protection for the panel from water dripping.

The pipe is considered to be a "Foreign Service".

The comment, "directly above but right behind" is somewhat vague I agree...
If... this water pipe is "directly above" the panel then yes it certainly is a code violation...
If... this pipe is "behind" the panel then no it is not a coded violation...

Blackmons... can you clarify this location more accurately?

If a fluid line needs to be above a panel in the dedicated space above the panel, a drip pan is allowed to be installed below the piping and above the panel to protect the panel.

Yes, I thought about that, but in order for the pipe to be behind the panelboard, the panelboard would be mounted to what?

The rule for "drip pans" indoors is in NEC 110.26(E)(1)... (a) drip pans are not allowed to be located within the dedicated space.
(b) requires the drip pans to be located "above" the dedicated space when foreign systems are also located above the dedicated space...

I have seen other inspectors who have allowed drip protection in tight corners, but the book is the book...

I don't have my book with me today would you please do me a favor and put the verticle distance that the dedicated space goes to. I believe it is 6.5' above the equipment which in a residence would be in the overhead. Thanks

Don,
NEC 2011 - 110.26 (E)(1)(a): "Dedicated Electrical Space: The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to the height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation."

The answer was 6 ft. don't mean to be long winded, only complete...

Don, the title of the post is 480v 3p panel , I do not think this is residential.