|
| Ek's Home | Forum | Chat | Electrical Links | |
| Subject - Work Space | |
| David Hyatt | A panel needs to be installed in a bathroom. It is in a separate area than the toilet and sink but still in the bath area. For the bath to be big enough for handicap if we build a wall in front of the panel it only gives 24 inches in front of panel instead of 36. If we locate the door to the panel room directly in front of the panel with the door open we would have over 30 inches, will this be taken into consideration? |
| Ryan_J | I take this approach: Give me the minimum code working space or die!!! :) BTW: This is a commercial building right? Also, this isn't service equipment, is it? |
| lctrc789 | In this case I would want to know is this service equipment, and is this a room where dampness can play a role in the atmosphere of the equipment. Very few times have I seen a job pass inspection witout proper clerance for the panelboards. In special cases where it is pointed out MAYBE. Is it possible to move it, to the other wall outside the Bath area. If this is a wet location it may even be considered to install a type 3R or watertight or weather proof. Just asking not trying to step on toes here. Just curious???? |
| shocky | The code is a minimum standard,you could always do better.
|
| David Hyatt | This is the main disconnect 42 circuit panel. Water should not be a factor. If we relocate the panel a disconnect will have to be added, more cost. We will probably move the wall. By the way I think we discussed this before but is there a maximum distance from the meter to the main panel. Our locals use 15 foot as a good rule of thumb. |
| Scott Vickrey | Now wait just a stupifying moment! I thought a panel COULD NOT be installed in a bathroom because of the extremely humid environment. I'm almost certain my showers would destroy a panel in a month or less. Unfortunately I'm at my cousins and can't access my code book. (Yes, I'm home now.) More info in a more appropriate topic. Have I got some storys to tell....
|
| aussiesparky | Well enlighten us oh wise and travelled one. For we have been waiting paitently for the travels and tribulations of the cyber guru. |
| shocky | I HAVE WORKED IN LOTS OF PANELS IN BATHROOMS,NONE WHICH HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE MOISTURE.CHECK DEFINITION OF A BATHROOM.
|
| shocky | A BATHROOM DOES NOT HAVE TO INCLUDE A BATHTUB OR SHOWER.FUNNY HUH? |
| Ryan_J | Panels may be installed in other than dwelling unit bathrooms. See 240.24(E). Service equipment (which is what you have) can never be installed in a bathroom, regardless of residential or commercial. See 230.70(A)(2). It looks like your disconnect may not be an option either. :( Good luck :) |
| lctrc789 | This is why I asked is this service equipment? in my post. The question was need to install a panel in a bathroom. Then the cearance on it was 24 inches in front of the panel. Shocky you are right a bathroom could be a toilet and a sink. Artcle 100 definitions. Ryan is right too and if this is a service panel You cannot install this in the bathromm. Now let me ask you this you say it is in a seperate area of the bath? It is possible that if it is in the area other then the bath with a wall or door making it different, ask the local inspector on their thoughts. But again you have a clearnce issue on this. |
| David Hyatt | The disconnect would be out side. If I relocate the service equipment. Still I have not heard of the 15 foot rule: see above. |
| Ryan_J | Remeber that the definition of a bathroom is an area, not a room. You'll definatley want to ask the AHJ where this bathroom "area" starts and ends. |
| Pierre Belarge | David It sounds like you have more problems than you may have originally thought. Have your branch circuits already been routed there? The clearance issue as has already been mentioned is 'minimum' distances and this should have been designed with more thought process, so as not to run into this problem. I tend to wonder what else may be wrong when things like this happen. Pierre |
| David Hyatt | Let me get this straight, if I install a disconnect outside, then the service equipment is now a panel, and in commercial you can install in a bathroom? I still have the clearance issue. |
| Ryan_J | quote: Yes. |