sub panel location

[rlwhitetr3b]

I taught residential electricity for several years at a high school level vocational school. I will be having an electrician do the wiring in having detached garage we are having built due to being over committed on projects.

I think I remember that the breaker panel should be located near the exit of the building. Is there any NRPA code that covers that? I want to be armed with the code if the electrician wants to place it in a "more convent location".

 

[The Cobbler]

I can't comment on the location near the exit, but if you want in a certain location,providing the location meets code, it should be your choice

 

[shaggyant]

If you are paying the bill you can have it put anywhere that is legal. Why not get it where you prefer?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Nothing in the NFPA about locating it near an exit. It just needs to have adequate working space in front of it. Behind the entry door is actually a good location, as it's less likely to collect junk that would block access.

 

[pattenp]

See NEC 225.32 for location if the subpanel is the means of disconnection at the detached garage.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

Thanks, I guess I was remembering something an instructor or experienced electrician used as a guide line. I will be the disconnection, so it will we located where the service hits the building. I'm balancing where I want the panel and how much disruption I want to do the the tree roots between the house and this garage.

 

[75gmck25]

The overall idea is that you need 30" of horizontal (side to side) clear space from floor to ceiling (or to 6'6") and extending 3 feet away from the wall, so that the electrician has space to work. IIRC, it also can't be in a closet, bathroom or kitchen and the top breaker cannot be higher than about 6'6" (there is a specific height, but I don't have it handy).

It can't be blocked by cabinets, furniture, etc. There are also some rules about minimum distance from gas lines and gas meter.

Maybe you are thinking of the rule where the main panel must be "as close as practical to the service entrance."

Bruce