DIYbanter - View Single Post - Copper Pipes / Electrical Panel Clearance

aemeijers

wrote:
On Jan 10, 11:15 pm, "Ed Pawlowski" wrote:
"RBM" wrote in message

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wrote in message
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In my basement there is a cold water pipe (copper) that is
approximately 1.5 feet in front of my electrical panel. It seems
awfully close. Does code allow pipes to be ran this close?
Amy
The NEC requires three feet clear working space in front of a panel. An
electrical inspector can make exceptions if there is a hardship, but your
situation sounds like laziness on the part of a plumber
Not enough details to make a statement like that. If, by in front, he means
it runs across the ceiling and the box is a couple of feet below it mounted
to the wall, I don't see any laziness. A better description or photo would
help.

For clarification the panel is mounted on the wall. The pipe runs
parallel to the box but 1.5 feet in front of in. So if you were
standing in front of the panel looking directly at it the pipe is
above your head (not over the panel).

Hope this helps,
Amy

As long as the pipe isn't a head-banger, and will not interfere with
removing the front of the panel when needed, not a problem. Not ideal,
but reality seldom is. I'm no code expert, but a 3-foot clear zone in
front, floor to top of panel, is what 'they' always told me. Should be a
common sense thing- are any pipes placed where they are likely to leak
on the panel, and can an electrician get in there to make repairs as
needed, without tearing anything out?

--
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