If you’re having a new home built or replacing your electrical panel, you should know the best places for one to be. While the electrician will make a recommendation and do the work, you get to decide where it is within certain parameters. The National Electrical Code (NEC) spells out the requirements and restrictions for where an electrical panel can be.
Best Locations
The best place to put an electrical panel is in a basement or garage. Other common places to put one include hallways, entryways, and large storage rooms. The NEC says they can’t go in bathrooms, clothes closets, pantries, or small storage rooms.
It Must Be Accessible
The NEC says an electrical panel must be accessible. It has to be in an area where it’s not blocked by a large appliance or in a room that is too small to walk in. It’s for this reason that a garage or basement makes for the best room to put one in.
There must be at least 36 inches of space in front of the electrical panel and 30 inches on each side. The NEC made this rule because an electrician working on it needs a safe workspace.
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Must Be Reachable
The electrical panel must be reachable for an average adult. The highest breaker can’t be more than 6 feet and 7 inches off the ground.
Shouldn’t Be Near Flammable Materials
As a safety issue, an electrical panel can’t be in an area where there would be flammable materials. This is one of the reasons why it can’t go in a clothes closet.
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