Can i install the service panel for a residence in a walk in closet.
Electrical service panel in closet.
Except when mounted on switchboards or the equivalent which are located in approved rooms or fire proof electric closets overcurrent devices shall be enclosed in approved cabinets or cutout boxes.
If a loose connection occurs in your existing electrical panel sparks those simple sparks can easily ignite the clothes hanging in your closet and in a matter of seconds set fire to your entire home.
They shall in all cases be placed in readily accessible locations.
Homes built between 1950 and 1965 may have these 60 ampere fuse boxes often with four fuses.
If you have an electrical panel in a closet used to store clothes you re already taking an enormous risk.
Rmeier2 robert meier april 16 2018 8 58pm 5.
According to section 240 24 d of the national electrical code nec which says overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material such as in clothes closets you are not permitted to do this.
Panels are located in utility closets and approved all the time with proper clearances.
Power comes into the house from a service drop connects to the service lugs within the service panel and is split into separate circuits throughout the house.
If it is on the long wall of the closet all you need is a free 36 of space in front of it 30 in chicago no clothes in the closet for both scenarios.
Section 240 24 d is vague on this matter.
With the electrical panel installed on the narrow side wall there might not be required 30 space unless you have a deep clothes closet.
The wording is vague as it does not absolutely prohibit a panel in a closet more like just around easily ignited materials.
Circuit breakers and by implication electrical panels since they contain circuit breakers shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material such as in clothes closets.
The electrical service panel provides 100 200 or more amps of power to a home.
Nec 240 24 d states that overcurrent devices i e.