Panel Mounting Location

[TS057]

This should be a pretty straight forward question... I'm starting to plan the sub-panel and wiring for my garage.

My question is, should I mount the panel on top of the sheetrock or flush mounted between the studs?

I like the idea of a more 'finished' look by having the panel between the studs and flush with the sheetrock but I would imagine the trade-off is limited access to the sides of the panel and I would have to run most wires out the top/bottom.

Also it may be worth noting that this is an attached garage and I'm planning to mount the panel on an interior wall that backs to the house. I haven't come across any specifics regarding fire code but imagine there might be something there...

 

[Falcon67]

I would do flush unless there is some fire code requirements that prevent it. Much cleaner. I have mine mounted flush with a removable panel between the top of the panel and the ceiling, in case I need to run more wire.

 

[n2ocamaro]

x2 for flush. Cleaner look and the limited access to top bottom holes is not going to affect you unless you plan to run a lot of circuits. I have all of my circuits (7) coming in the top and still have several holes available.

 

[Executive]

Flush is nice and looks 100x better, BUT you should plan for absolutely everything because if you have a finished ceiling as well, it will be difficult to add circuits later on. You could install a few conduits to a more accessible flush mounted ceiling box to make access a bit easier later on. Codes here in Massachusetts do not allow the removable panel Falcon mentions above. All drywall in the garage must be 5/8" if the garage is attached to the house or there is a living area above.

You might also consider a flexible conduit system in the walls to allow for installation of additional circuits after the walls are finished.

Chris

 

[Aceman]

Flush is an easier, cleaner install.

I can't answer any specifics as to the fire code though.

 

[kbs2244]

If your are sure you have thought of all the circuits you would ever want to put into the box, then flush it is.
That is why you see them in homes.

But if you ever need to add something you will be glad you made it easy on yourself.

 

[brewchief]

How are planning on wiring the rest of the garage? If romex and all boxes in the walls then flush, if you plan on exposed conduit and surface mounted boxes then surface mount would be the way to go for me.

 

[TS057]

Thanks everyone! Flush it is!

I like the idea of the removable 'panel' which will simply be a narrow piece of sheet rock w/out the joints taped. I'm fairly sure that would make code as that's all that's on the wall right now and the house was built last year.

I'm just planning on running romex through the walls w/ flush mounted boxes. No surface mounted conduit or anything like that.