breaker panel clearance question

[jkeyser14]

I'm trying to layout the plans for finishing the inside of my 20x20 garage this summer and I'm thinking about where to put a new sub panel. Can the panel be put in a corner between a wall and a doorway if 30" would fall into the doorway opening? I would hang the door so that it opens into the opposite room so as not to block the panel. What about placing the panel between a wall and a garage door with less than 30" of clearance if the garage door tracks are recessed so as to sit flush with the face of the wall/panel?

 

[Norcal]

I'm trying to layout the plans for finishing the inside of my 20x20 garage this summer and I'm thinking about where to put a new sub panel. Can the panel be put in a corner between a wall and a doorway if 30" would fall into the doorway opening? I would hang the door so that it opens into the opposite room so as not to block the panel. What about placing the panel between a wall and a garage door with less than 30" of clearance if the garage door tracks are recessed so as to sit flush with the face of the wall/panel?

Placing a panel behind a door is one way to keep stuff from being piled in front it, which is always a problem. Just my opinion.

 

[jkeyser14]

Anyone know the answer to this?

 

[nehog]

My man door opens to cover my panel, but the inspection requirements were nominal. I prefer it that way for the reason that Norcal said: it forces the area near the panel to be clear!

 

[BoydS]

I don't have the NEC in front of me at this moment, but I do have a copy of the 2003 IRC. Working clearance for energized equipment and panelboards (section E3305). Distance from face of panelboard must not be less than 36" and the work space shall not be less than 30" wide in front of the panelboard. You also have to have a 6'6" vertical clearance. I will look up the NEC article that this is based on.

 

[oleguy]

try 110.26

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I would think that if the door were to be positioned where it is flush with the wall surface, or opened the other direction, that you still have the 30 inches of clearance. The panel does not have to be centered in the 30 inches, and the door, either closed or open the other way will give you the required 30 inches. It is OK for the door to obscure the panel, just so long as it can be swung out of the way for access to the panel.

Charles