Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Kevin Chen
Image source ePanoroma
If your electric circuit breaker has ever tripped, you know the importance of having an electrical panel in a convenient location. After all, once the breaker trips, you will have to go to the breaker panel to reset the breaker so that you continue using electricity.
However, the location of the electrical panel goes beyond the required convenience. There are many other factors that you have to consider when deciding the location. Keep reading this guide as we discuss how to choose the best electrical panel location.
Codes regulating the location of electrical panel
You don’t just decide where to install the electrical panel box. There are a set of rules and codes set by the National Electrical Code (NEC) which give guidelines on where to install the panel box. The rules should be followed by every owner of the building as they give safety guidance in relation to electricity.
Here are the main requirements for the location of the electrical panel:
Accessible
The electrical panel box should be installed in an easy-to-access area. Nobody should strain to reach the panel box whether there is an emergency or not.
The accessibility tenet of the NEC mainly addresses the presence of obstacles in the area. Are there major obstacles that can prevent users or technicians from reaching the panel box?
Users should not have to climb ladders or go around major obstacles such as washers to access the panel.
Also, you should not store any large item in the same room as a panel box. In other words, the panel box should not be installed in your storage room.
Space
Space is another key requirement as defined by the NEC when it comes to the location of the electrical panel. There should be adequate space to allow the smooth operation of the panel box and at the same time make it easy for technicians to perform routine maintenance.
Just like on the issue of accessibility, one essential aspect of space is obstruction. The room should be free of all kinds of obstructions.
Similarly, the space should be large enough to allow proper ventilation. You should be comfortable being in the room when working on the panel box. Ventilation also prevents overheating of the electronic components in the panel box.
Height is also another aspect of space as stipulated by the NEC. The height of the installation should give anyone in the room maximum comfort and convenience. NEC recommends that the panel box should not be less than 4 feet above the floor. For the purpose of accessibility, the box should not be more than 6 feet above the floor.
NEC states that a tight space will restrict proper working on the electrical panel. It further recommends that the circuit breaker boxes should have a minimum of 30 inches clear working space in front of them. Also, the door of the breaker panel box should be able to open up to an angle 90 degrees.
When it comes to the space factor, you don’t have to install the electrical panel board at the center of the room. The working space may also consider the electrical properties of the equipment that are connected to the panel box and the conditions under which they operate. For example, the height requirement for a 150 volts breaker box will be different from one that has a nominal voltage of 600V
Available to everyone
The panel box should be easily available to anyone who can handle matters relating to electricity.
The room in which the panel is supposed to be installed should be easily accessible unless there are strict security protocols that an organization upholds.
The choice of height also matters when thinking about the accessibility of the panel box to all the occupants.
Everyone in the building should know the exact location of the panel. It is also prudent to ensure that all occupants know how to use it as you never know when an electric emergency will happen. Performing an emergency drill will be a smart idea.
Safety factor
Image source the Spruce
When choosing the location of the electrical panel box, you should keep safety in mind. The panel box should be away from all the risk factors that can affect its operation. The mere fact that the panel plays host to sensitive electronic components such as circuit breakers and wires means that it should be away from water.
Moisture and humid conditions can cause serious damage on the panel box. The room in which the electrical panel box is installed should always remain dry and fresh. Even when installing an outdoor electrical panel, ensure that it is well-protected from the vagaries of nature such as rain, snow, and even extreme heat.
Safety goes beyond the weather, you also have to account for the presence of dangerous or toxic materials near the panel box. For example, the panel box should be away from all the flammable materials such as chemicals and their containers.
The NEC clearly stipulates that the electrical panels and circuit breakers should not be near any materials that can ignite such as clothes. This means that closets and even bedrooms should not be in your plan.
Security requirement
In as much as we have said that the electrical panel box should be easily accessible, you have to consider the security factor. This is more important if you lie in an area that is prone to insecurity cases.
You should install the box in a room that can’t be easily accessed by unauthorized persons. For the outdoor electrical panel ensure that it is well secured from the vandals. You may consider adding extra security features such as locks.
Efficiency
You also have to consider the efficiency of the circuit when deciding the location of the electrical panel board. This usually comes to play when we are looking at the lengths of the cables to be used on different electrical appliances.
When it comes to electronics, the longer the wire, the higher the voltage drop. So, the location should be at a reasonable distance to minimize the voltage drop on the electrical appliances.
Best locations for electrical panel
After taking into consideration the factors we have listed above, where should I install a circuit breaker box?
Here are some ideal locations:
- Garages: This ranks among the most ideal location for the electrical panel board. There are several reasons why most homeowners prefer garages over any other location. One of the reasons is the availability of space.
- Basements: You can also consider installing the circuit breaker box in your basement. Here the panel will be obscured from everyone’s view and at the same time you will be able to meet the NEC’s space requirement. With the darkness at most basements, it will be wise to install additional emergency lighting.
- Beneath the staircase: This should be your last option in case al the other locations. If your staircase has some space, you may consider installing the breaker box here.
Other locations that you may consider include entryways, utility rooms, storage rooms, and even hallways. Always consider the suitability of the location both before and after the installation.
An example if you choose to install in the storage room, ensure that there is adequate working space. You should also keep all the flammable materials away from the storage room both during the installation and after.
Locations not to install electrical panels
Here are some locations where it is restricted to install the circuit breaker panel boards:
- Bathrooms
- Bedroom closets
- Bedrooms
- Pantries
- Cubbies
- Kitchen
- Active working areas
Listing the restricted locations is not enough. Just because a room is not among the restricted ones does not mean that you are free to install the panel board. You should carefully review the room to determine its suitability.
NEC electrical panel clearance requirements
Here is a summary of the NEC clearance requirements for the breaker panel board working space
- A minimum of three feet clearance from the front of the breaker panel board
- A minimum height of 5 inches and 6 feet
- There should be at least 30 inches of clearance on both sides of the panel board
- The door of the electrical panel should open to an angle of 90 degrees
- There should be emergency lighting whenever there is a power outage
- The circuit breaker panel board should be close to the electrical meter
Conclusion
An electrical panel plays a critical role in facilitating the smooth flow and operation of electricity. It houses all the circuit breakers. So, choosing the right location should always be your top priority.
The guidelines that we have outlined here should guide you in choosing the perfect location for the electrical distribution board location.
Even after choosing the location, you should do a constant review to ascertain the safety and suitability of the electrical panel location. Ensure that there are no dangerous materials in the room. Ensure that the space is always there such that there is minimum obstruction. You should also work with a professional electrician when analyzing all these requirements.
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