W/H Clearance from Main Panel

[John M. Zirzow]

Just want to get your thoughts, Am I correct that the water heater should be moved for proper Main panel clearances. I believe that the the 30 inch clearance is not from the center of the panel is that correct ? Thanks for your input !!

[KEVIN WOOD]

Working space.

[Larry D. Kage]

Looks okay with what I can see from here, John...

http://publicecodes.citation.com/ico..._33_sec005.htm

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by jzirzow

Just want to get your thoughts, Am I correct that the water heater should be moved for proper Main panel clearances. I believe that the the 30 inch clearance is not from the center of the panel is that correct ? Thanks for your input !!

Correct, the 30" minimum is not determined from center of panel. It can start at either side, as long as there is 30" width and 36" depth.

So if there is adequate space to right of this panel it should be OK, hard to tell from angle of photo.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Hmmm...alot of images so I will just use my "verbiage" approach...lol

I can't tell via the image but if you have a minimum of 30 inches left to right...and that panel enclosure is within that 30 inches...then you are ok. If anything protrudes into that 30 inch wide( up to 36 inches out from that 30inch area as well) area then it would be a concern. Obviously you are not quoting codes so I won't go down that road. However, not having a proper working space is a serious issue many inspectors overlook.

Now look at the images and it may be just a little clearer for you since i set the stage.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

No wait....Mr. Currins set the stage...I was too slow....

[John M. Zirzow]

It does have the 30 inches to the right of the panel !!

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by jzirzow

It does have the 30 inches to the right of the panel !!

So if if from the LEFT side of the panel you measure 30 inches to the right and you have nothing in the way then you are all good. As Mr. Currins stated, as long as you have 30 inches the panel enclosure can be located anywhere in those 30 inches...to the left of it, the right of it or slam jam in the middle of it.

You just don't want anything else in that 30 inche space..other than your panel. This 30 inch space also extends out 36 inches as well....think of it as if you created this 30" x 36" box...it must sit in front of the panel and nothing else can be within it's domain.....Does that explain it a little better?

[Linas Dapkus]

How about if it's protected inside a cabinet?

[John M. Zirzow]

Yes it does, And thank you all for the comments it just surprises me that plumbing lines can be that close to the panel and be aceptable under the current guide lines.

[Jim Port]

The cabinet encroachs on the work space and is creaating a violation.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by ldapkus1

How about if it's protected inside a cabinet?

That's a safety enhancement for a Stab-Lok.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by jzirzow

Yes it does, And thank you all for the comments it just surprises me that plumbing lines can be that close to the panel and be aceptable under the current guide lines.

John at least you can get the panel cover off.




Yesterdays wasn't so easy.

[John M. Zirzow]

I hear you up hear there in cabinets and in the bathrooms, They just dont care LOL !!

Originally Posted by ccurrins

John at least you can get the panel cover off.




Yesterdays wasn't so easy.