Many homeowners have electrical work done without having a building permit or an electrical inspection at completion of work. I checked the NEC and I cannot find any place in 110-26 that says I need to do this. Is this OK? This includes any area where an electrical appliance could come in to contact with water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. In addition to OSHA standards, electrical panels fall under National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations. A service panel requires a working clearance that's 30-in. Electrical Panel Clearances Electrical Panel Clearances ponycar17 (Electrical) (OP) 26 Oct 07 08:36. Insufficient clearances around panels Lack of/improper lockout/tagout procedures Failure to maintain proper clearance from overhead lines Failure to follow manufacturer’s instruction when using electrically powered equipment. On the other hand, building owners are looking for ways to mini-mize the size of electrical equipment in order to accommodate more building space for productive uses, thus minimizing costs. If ducts cross instead of moving parallel, at least 6 inches of space needs to exist. This is action is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit. Some more details: Breaker panel must be at least 4 feet off the ground, but no higher than 6 feet. panels to have a minimum of three feet of clearance and a minimum width to be the width of the equipment or 2.5 feet, whichever is greater. Sounds to me as the clearances that are governing the position of the water heater are the NEC's panel clearances. Ask Your Own Electrical Question. Broadband cable must be located no less than 22.5 ft from water or the base of diving structures, and no less than 14.5 ft from observation stands or diving platforms. How far away should a sink be from an electric panel? * Source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Basically, the panel can be anywhere in the 30" width working space. We are working on a home renovation and need to install a new circuit panel in a new location. The depth of the working space in the direction of live parts shall not be less than that specified in table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of 110.26(A)(1)(a), (A)(1)(b), or (A)(1)(c) are met. Not every danger can be engineered out of any product. 2 Where can I find the Cal/OSHA regulations for electrical safety? As you'll note in the Table, there are three conditions noted for two voltag… Description of Clearance: Distance (min) Left to Right the minimum clearance: 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) Distance between Panel and wall: 1.0 Meter: Distance between Panel and Ceiling: 0.9 Meter: Clear Height in front of Panel >480V: 2.0 Meter: Clear Height in front of Panel <480V: 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) Clearance When Facing Other Electrical Panels <480V: 0.9 Meter (3 Ft) If the code making panels are not seeing data to require a change preventing a water source next to a panel why do you think it is an issue? Electrical panels are the primary entrance point for electrical lines into areas of a house. The working width around the panel must be at least 30 inches. Here's a good rule of thumb: If you can't park a refrigerator in front of the panel, you don't have enough working space. It is ESA’s opinion that a home inspector can take the cover off an electrical panel in order to undertake a visual review of the electrical equipment when conducting a home inspection. Insufficient clearance around electrical panels is one of the many electrical hazards that can endanger worker safety. I have been doing electrical work for nearly 20 years including whole house wiring, panel † Adequate clearances for personnel working on energized equipment to escape should a problem occur. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The current tank is in the corner of the basement, and the electrical panel is on the perpendicular wall, about 14" from the nearest part of the tank. Sometimes new or adjacent panels are installed during remodeling work. if something was constructed during a period in earlier code development that did not cover such a requirement then it was not an issue. Someone might try to sit in the tub full of water while working in the panel. Do not try to install such a vital part of your electrical system as the primary panel without extensive electrical experience. However, when it comes to the electrical panel, the dedicated panel board space that extends from the floor to 6 feet above the panel board, should remain free of all piping and similar materials. Saturday, July 7, 2018 There is no specific code requirement for the minimum distance from a plumbing fixture to an electric panel, but nothing—including a sink—is allowed to be installed in a working space 2’-6” wide by 3’-0” deep by 6’-6” high in front of an electric panel. One very unique problem that I have encountered every so often, is a homeowner installing a bathroom where main electrical panel is located. … “Electric parts” is a classification for unattached electric parts which primarily carry or generate electrical currents. Make sure there is sufficient clearance to rate and service electrical equipment At least one entrance not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) high shall be provided to give access to the working space about electric equipment. OUTDOOR Voltage in KV Phase… The depth of the working space in front of exposed live parts must be at least as great as the distances outlined in Table 110-26(a). On switchboard and control panels exceeding 48 inches (1.22 m) in width, there shall be one entrance at each end of such board where practicable. Three of these standards concern the box location, clearance and space around the box, and box height. A clearance of at least 3 feet is required for equipment using 120 to 250 volts. Yes, but the operative word you used was “modern” standards. How many people are being electrocuted by working in a panel and touching a sink or a pipe? If there’s plumbing nearby, the box should be weatherproofed. You must measure distances from live parts or from the front of the enclosure or opening in which the live parts are enclosed. Part IV of Article 680 notes that electrical installations at spas and hot tubs shall comply with the provisions of Part I and Part IV of this article. Residential branch circuits rated 20 amps or less at 120 volts or less and with GFCI protection at their source are allowed a minimum cover of 12". At the end of the day the client has the choice to make it safe or leave it…WHY…because your inspection is not a code inspection and simply a recommendation for safety. Charles from Jawz Electric Ltd. in Edmonton. Image source Electrical Equipment. So call out the lack of access and the HI is always free to references a code standard that helps support their position and explain why it is a hazard without making it a pure “CODE” thing. 110.26 (3)(B) says that the clear working space required can't be used for storage. If you have outlets close to your electrical panel and are worried about their proximity to plumbing, the key factor is dampness. To ensure that an electrical panel can be accessed at all times – during inspection, maintenance or emergency – OSHA has determined that the working space in front of the equipment must be at least 30-inches wide (or the width of the equipment). For equipment designed for floor mounting, clearance between top surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be provided to dissipate rising warm air. Mike Holt. Electrician: Inactive , Master Electrician replied 8 years ago Right and as I explained in my first post your panel must have a minumim clearance around it. This includes electric wiring, generators, transformers, controls, switchboards, alternators, coils, etc. These clearances are designed to protect the person working on the panel. Anyone who has never made a mistake, has never tried anything new. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you can’t park a refrigerator in front of the panel, you don’t have enough working space. Plumbing and electrical lines, despite their differences, rarely interfere with each other, and there is no overarching rule for space between the two. Grounding of the electrical I came home to discover the drip had turned into a puddle in the basement running threw the electrical panel. That is one of the primary reasons for the 3 foot clearance rule. If the code making panels are not seeing data to require a change preventing a water source next to a panel why do you think it is an issue? This is “code” for “my opinion matters more than anyone else’s does.”. There is no clearance issue with regard to a water heater, or even a sink, and an electrical panel. As others have stated, it's the 1M clearance that is required in the front of the panel. Thanks for the reply guys, I do have the clearance in front of the panel but the water heater is off to the side of the panel about 20". how far from the electrical panel does a water heater or sink have to be? I realize that by NEC 2005 Article 110.26 Table 110.26(A)(1), that our 480 VAC control cabinet must have a minimum of 42" of working space in front of it. The only issue is with working clearances, and this is an issue regardless of what is around the panel. Most homeowners and likewise simply think a water heater cannot be near a panel, for what reason I don't know. There is no mention of center of the panel or otherwise. I would have a professional come take a look. 110.26 (F)(1) also requires that electrical equipment have a "dedicated space" I … Reply. On the same note, it is not allowed because it doesn’t meet the clearance for work space. Electricity will form a "path" or "loop". 1910.303(b)(8)(iii)Electric equipment provided with ventilating openings shall be installed so that walls or other obstructions do not prevent the free circulation of air through the equipment. im asking for distence between water supply,water heater and the electrical panel. at least they have an air gap for the washer drain hose! None of those clearances are required if you turn off the electrical supply to the panel before working on the exposed parts. Clearance distance specifications & codes: this article provides an index to detailed specifications of clearance distances for components & features found on residential & commercial sites, such as clearance distances for LP tanks, oil storage tanks, septic system components, water wells, electrical components, electrical service entry, chimneys, and other features. On the same note, it is not allowed because it doesn’t meet the clearance for work space. Clearance distance specifications & codes: this article provides an index to detailed specifications of clearance distances for components & features found on residential & commercial sites, such as clearance distances for LP tanks, oil storage tanks, septic system components, water wells, electrical components, electrical service entry, chimneys, and other features. You will not be in business long if you start telling people that a compliant installation should be changed to meet “your opinion” of safe. According to the NEC that’s all that is required. I believe those other dangers are called life. GFCI Protection is required for ALL underwater lighting operating over the low-voltage contact limit. Water in the electrical panel [ 3 Answers ] I had a leak in my kitchen sink while on vacation. What gets me is that people ignore the workspace requirement quite often and do not realize or do not care that there are other inherent dangers and issues other than “not having proper workspace”. The panel needs a clearance of 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep from anything. is there a clearance from front of panel or to the right or left of panel? Chapter 34 of the 2012 version of the IRC addresses the issue of clearance around the electrical panel. If a 10-foot clearance is not practical, a 3-foot clearance is the minimum distance that must be maintained. The working clearance in front of the equipment on which you're working is also dependent on the composition of the facing wall and whether it houses live electrical parts. I can't find any code against doing. We prefer a 10-foot clearance from the natural gas meter assembly in the cases of sources of ignition and air intakes, including doors and windows. To ensure that an electrical panel can be accessed at all times – during inspection, maintenance or emergency – OSHA has determined that the working space in front of the equipment must be at least 30-inches wide (or the width of the equipment). Tyler Lacoma has worked as a writer and editor for several years after graduating from George Fox University with a degree in business management and writing/literature. INDOOR Voltage in KV Phase to earth in mm Phase to phase in mm 0.415 15.8 19.05 0.600 19.05 19.05 3.3 50.8 50.8 6.6 63.5 88.9 11 76.2 127.0 15 101.6 165.1 22 139.7 241.3 33 222.25 355.6 Minimum Electrical Clearance As Per BS:162. Building codes differ within states and cities. When that occurs, distance between plumbing and electrical panels is usually not a concern, although some components should be kept separate. Unlike other heating devices, electric heaters do not require a minimum clearance. GFCI protection is required for ALL 120V to 240V single-phase pump motors; Image source Lighting. The code is biased towards life safety. Clearance issue as the others have already said. The working clearance in front of the equipment on which you're working is also dependent on the composition of the facing wall and whether it houses live electrical parts. This duct work leading to electrical panel might be close to gas and water lines that also enter the house, but they should not be too close. Joined: Dec 15, 2007 Occupation: Service … Wiring concerns and codes are more focused on the distance between outlets and similar concerns. Just my two cents from classes and seminars. Keep the ducts for other lines at least 12 inches away from the supply conductors. If you are worried about the plumbing near the electrical box, you can rest easy. This zone extends from the floor to the ceiling. This assures that … 1/2/2019 at 12:37:37 AM. Windows that cannot be opened are exempt from clearance requirements. According to the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.303 (g), companies are required to provide 3 feet of clearance around electrical services and breaker panels with between 120 and 250 volts. New electrical panel will be located as per Canadian Electrical Code, you should contact licensed electrician to do the work and he/she will work on best location for your panel. As an inspector I always have reservations about panels that are near utility sinks. Sometimes supply conductors are connected to the electrical panel using underground ducts for protection. Show More . In deciding working space or free and clear distances around electrical contro… GFCI protection is required for ALL receptacles that supply power to the pool equipment, such as water heaters and pump motors. A clearance of at least 3 feet is required for equipment using 120 to 250 volts. This has probably happened to several people and was a reason for setting clearance standards in the NEC. I am sure other codes are concerned with life safety to some aspect also. Twenty-four inches of service clearance in front and two inches on the back and sides is recommended for gas water heaters, whereas electric heaters do not require minimum clearance. The code is biased towards life safety. Minimum Clearances for Electrical Equipment Near Spas and Hot Tubs . As an inspector I always have reservations about panels that are near utility sinks. Keep the ducts for other lines at least 12 inches away from the supply conductors. Minor correction, 30" wide NEC 110.26 The only issue is with working clearances, and this is an issue regardless of what is around the panel. No, insulation does not count. I agree with all of you in that if the workspace requirements are met, then there is no hazard. Check with your local building department for more information on panel installation and positioning. Minimum Electrical Clearance As Per BS:162. I checked clearances from a few diff electric tank water heaters mfgs and most are minimal and seem to be more concerned with combustibles, not proximity to electrical panels. Minimum Electrical Clearance As Per BS:162. I was referring to the electrical code. All electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of the panel, 30 inches of clearance across the face of the panel, and a minimum of 78 inches above the floor. I now have one line that will not come back up. INDOOR Voltage in KV Phase to earth in mm Phase to phase in mm 0.415 15.8 19.05 0.600 19.05 19.05 3.3 50.8 50.8 6.6 63.5 88.9 11 76.2 127.0 15 101.6 165.1 22 139.7 241.3 33 222.25 355.6 Minimum Electrical Clearance As Per BS:162. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. Electrical panels themselves should always be installed indoors and away from the damp. D. Minimum Clearance Requirements Figure 2-19, “Electric and Gas Meter Set Separation Dimensions and Clearances,” found below, Figure 2-20, “Gas Meter Set Clearance From Building Openings,” on Page 2-29, and Figure 2-21, “Gas Regulator Set Clearance Requirement From Sources of Ignition,” on Page 2-30, all represent various metering facilities’ clearance requirements. Twenty-four inches of service clearance in front and two inches on the back and sides is recommended for gas water heaters, whereas electric heaters do not require minimum clearance. A service panel requires a working clearance that’s 30-in. Some don’t even know where their panel is, let alone many never attempt to work in it. If ducts cross instead of moving parallel, at least 6 inches of space needs to exist. The National Electric Code (NEC) includes the minimum standards for installing a circuit breaker panel box. May I ask where you heard this? So yes, in todays building codes this would be a violation (not the near water part, the working clearance part) and would need to be corrected before a COO is issued. Distances shall be measured from the live parts or from the enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed. As you'll note in the Table, there are three conditions noted for two voltage levels 150V or less and 151V to 600V-to-ground. Electrician: Mike G., Master Electrician replied 8 years ago. I just saw this one today that was the best example of disregard I have seen so far. The National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses the minimum requirements to meet these needs. Maintaining clearances around electric panels . There is no clearance issue with regard to a water heater, or even a sink, and an electrical panel. What is needed is a drip tray between the pipe and the panel, something that is capable of catching the dripping water and conveying it to a location that is not above any panel. I am installing a service in Ontario where the panel will be within about 2' from a water heater. I understand that it is typically not a problem and that there are no specific NEC requirements in regards to water sources and panel installations. None of those clearances are required if you turn off the electrical supply to the panel before working on the exposed parts. Items are always located next to an electrical panel. These standards set the minimum safety standards for panel boxes. Answered in 2 minutes by: 2/25/2012. The clearances are even greater for network-powered broadband communications systems. That why a home inspector is not a “code inspector”, we can also make general recommendations for safety that code does not cover, such as these types of installations. 110.26 (3)(B) says that the clear working space required can't be used for storage. The GFCI cuts off power to the appliance when it registers a leakage of current (as would occur if some of the current was conducted through a person or water… Based on the letter of the code it is perfectly feasible to have a water heater or sink immediately next to a breaker panel. minimum headroom clearance of 6’-6” (Article 110.26) Grounding of Services - Grounding shall consist of a continuous grounding electrode conductor run from the panel to a ground rod (grounding electrode) and to the cold water pipe. That why a home inspector is not a “code inspector”, we can also make general recommendations for safety that code does not cover, such as these types of installations. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Hawaii: Electric Service Installation Manual, Sunnydale: Electrical Panel Permit Requirements, Plumbing Key: Plumbing Terms & Definitions. The breaker panel must have 3 feet of clearance in front of it. But nearby outlets and mini-panels that act as switchboards need to be sealed in weatherproof enclosures or with weatherproof flaps for protection. I turned off all the power and dried out the panel and breakers. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you can’t park a refrigerator in front of the panel, you don’t have enough working space. 1910.303(c) If you have anything in this zone, you are in violation. Mike G., Master Electrician. 110.26 (F)(1) also requires that electrical equipment have a "dedicated space" The panel door must be able to open at least 90 degrees. Obstructed access to panelboards can prevent personnel from shutting down the source of power in the event of an accident. Slavko. Show Less. Redwood Master Plumber. A service panel requires a working clearance that’s 30-in. However, for an HI this would indeed be a concern or hazard to the potential owner because they lack the ability to safely get to the panel (to which they own) for what ever reason they deem fit.