Circuit Breaker Panel Placement and the NEC
My daughter just purchased a home in Mt Sinai, NY.
I expressed concern during the home inspection when I saw the location of the circuit breaker Panel. It is located in the boiler room on the back wall. My concern is that the boiler and associated plumbing restricts free access to the panel.
Before closing on the house, I advised them to have the owner supply a Underwriters Certificate for the panel (because of the location of of the boiler and piping.) “The owner said the electrical system was up to code.”
The previous owner supplied a Underwriter’s Certificate, but I am unsure if the certificate is real or not.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to the requirements of the NEC on this matter?
ive attached a photo of the boiler room and placement of the panel.
Replies
I think an inspector would flunk that in new construction.
The code says essentially that the panel must be readily accessible, and lays out rules about not having obstructions within a certain distance (several feet) of the panel.
That is clearly a working space violation (110.26)
The short answer is you need clear space 30" wide, 80" high and 36" deep in front of that panel.
I would not close until they moved that water heater and all the plumbing ... or relocated the panel.