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electricalguru · Jan 14, 2007, 05:40 AM

Can an electrical panel be installed in a laundry room, bathroom, or clothes closet where the space will permit access?

Is a panel behind a dryer OK since the dryer can be moved easily?

tkrussell · Jan 14, 2007, 07:07 AM

NEC does not allow a panelboard to be installed in a bathroom or closets, even if there is enough clear space.

To illustrate local codes, and why everyone should also check with their local or state code, I know, for example, that Connecticut does not allow panelboards under stairways. Really makes sense if you think about it.

As far as the dryer, I would like you to tell me, what do you think? A clue to help is a dryer is considered as a "stationary" appliance.

electricalguru · Jan 14, 2007, 10:59 AM

I agree, if the Dryer was a Portable Appliance, then the access would be easier, and the under the stairs is a good rule you describe.

I see where the NEC still does not want to see a level floor space, and they have rejected proposals for that issue in more than on cycle.

Panelboards in stairwells are not the safest place for them, and the typical workspace is there, but one must straddle steps.

jpen455 · May 30, 2008, 06:43 AM

The National Electrical Code (NEC) in Article 110.26. (A) (2) requires a minimum horizontal width clearance of 750 mm (30 inches) and a 3 feet clearance directly in front of electric equipment (such as a panelboard) for clear working space. This means that a panelboard should not be placed on a wall behind either a dryer/washer because there would not be a Code acceptable working clearance of 30" x 36".

donf · May 30, 2008, 07:30 AM

You folks left out the need for the Main Panel to be as close as possible to the Service Entrance Point, by code!

Washington1 · May 30, 2008, 10:52 AM

Don,

230.70
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.

The op never talked about a main service rated panel.

Also note that the SEC's can be installed indoors "unfused" for a specific distance, depending on your local code.

Washington1 · May 30, 2008, 10:54 AM

Electricalguru,
Don't you have your own site--which gives out electrical advice?
Or is this someone else, with the same screen name?

donf · May 30, 2008, 04:33 PM

Wash,

The Service Disconnect and the Main Panel are not necessarily the same thing.

If I remember correctly, the service disconnect is supposed to kill power to the Main Panel. So that the SE cable to the panel is dead.

As opposed to the Main Panel cut off, which kills power from the load side of the main lugs to the panel, leaving the Main Panel lugs hot and the Neutral return connected, but the panel itself is dead.

Washington1 · Jun 1, 2008, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by donf

Wash,

The Service Disconnect and the Main Panel are not necessarily the same thing.

If I remember correctly, the service disconnect is supposed to kill power to the Main Panel. So that the SE cable to the panel is dead.

As opposed to the Main Panel cut off, which kills power from the the load side of the main lugs to the panel, leaving the Main Panel lugs hot and the Neutral return connected, but the panel itself is dead.

Read what you wrote, then read what I suggested you to read. Then read more to get a better understanding.:)

Washington1 · Jun 1, 2008, 04:08 PM

Don,

Make sure you read 230.70-230.82.

stanfortyman · Jun 1, 2008, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by donf

Wash,

The Service Disconnect and the Main Panel are not necessarily the same thing.

If I remember correctly, the service disconnect is supposed to kill power to the Main Panel. So that the SE cable to the panel is dead.

As opposed to the Main Panel cut off, which kills power from the the load side of the main lugs to the panel, leaving the Main Panel lugs hot and the Neutral return connected, but the panel itself is dead.

Don, you sort of have it.

There really is no such thing as a "main panel cutoff". There is a main breaker panel.

The main breaker IS the service disconnect if it is the first means of disconnect within the service equipment.
The service disconnect can also be a separate breaker or disconnect away from the panel. BOTH are service disconnects.

There is NO designation as to what kind of disconnect is what. 230.70 simply states:

"230.70 General
Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the service-entrance conductors."

The cable/conductors coming into a main panel OR coming into a separate main disconnect switch are still service entrance conductors.

Washington1 · Jun 1, 2008, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

Don, you sort of have it.

There really is no such thing as a "main panel cutoff". There is a main breaker panel.

The main breaker IS the service disconnect if it is the first means of disconnect within the service equipment.
The service disconnect can also be a separate breaker or disconnect away from the panel. BOTH are service disconnects.

There is NO designation as to what kind of disconnect is what. 230.70 simply states:

"230.70 General
Means shall be provided to disconnect all conductors in a building or other structure from the service-entrance conductors."

The cable/conductors coming into a main panel OR coming into a separate main disconnect switch are still service entrance conductors.

Exactly!!

Stan,

Let him do his own homework:)
:D