I am upgrading the electrical service from 100 to 200 amps and am in question of my new desired panel location. I would like to place it on an exterior wall behind the new meter location. The power company has said my new meter location is fine. I was wondering if it is code to have the panel in a "stairwell" and use the landing as the working space for the breaker panel. The new panel would be installed at the height as if the landing were the floor. The landing meets all the space requirements of the nec but I am just worried because it is technically in a stairwell. I have attached an image for better claification.

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The National Electric Code has no restriction locating the panel in a stairway or landing.

Although, I can tell you that Connecticut does not allow any panels to be located in or under a stair way, so I doubt the landing would be allowed, since a stairway is considered an egress path that they would like to limit any fire preventing the safe exit during a fire.

My point is to check with local code to learn if there is any local restriction for what you propose before assuming that since national code does not restrict this, that there would be no problem.

If at all possible, even thou your local code may not have a problem with you plan, can you consider installing a longer feeder, which would then require a main breaker to be located at the meter, and locate the panel out of the stairway?

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Originally Posted by jenglebright

i am upgrading the electrical service from 100 to 200 amps and am in question of my new desired panel location. I would like to place it on an exterior wall behind the new meter location. the power company has said my new meter location is fine. i was wondering if it is code to have the panel in a "stairwell" and use the landing as the working space for the breaker panel. the new panel would be installed at the height as if the landing were the floor. the landing meets all the space requirements of the nec but i am jsut worried because it is technically in a stairwell. i have attached an image for better claification.

Attachment 3111

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Thank you very much for the reply. I am pretty set on this location in order to make arrangements for a soon to happen addition to the back of the house. The current meter is on the same wall (opposite corner) and eliminating the long raceway on the back of the house is one of the reason for moving the meter. I should note that these stairs are leading down to an unfinished basement/crawlspace so I don't think it is an egress. Thanks again for your reply and don't hesitate to respond if need be. By the way I am in Indiana.