Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

"Existential Angst" wrote in message
...
Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? And is there a *maximum*
height above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

Heh, google is yer friend.
"height for breaker panels" returned a surprising number of forums
addressing this very question, which I hadn't expected.

Apparently the general answser is, No minimum height, but a 6'7" max height
to the top breaker, which, if higher, must have a permanent step, etc. to
reach it. Sorta surprising, no min. height (unless in a mobile home, then
it's 24").

Also inneresting is that NYC has greatly relaxed its code, by adopting the
much more lenient NEC.
For example, at one time, the max #12 wires in 1" emt was 8 or 9 in the 70s,
now it's almost 20, iirc. Big effing diff.
--
EA



--
EA

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 26, 8:14*am, "Existential Angst"
wrote:
"Existential Angst" wrote in message

...

Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum*
height above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

Heh, google is yer friend.
"height for breaker panels" returned a surprising number of forums
addressing this very question, which I hadn't expected.

Apparently the general answser is, No minimum height, but a 6'7" max height
to the top breaker, which, if higher, must have a permanent step, etc. to
reach it. *Sorta surprising, no min. height (unless in a mobile home, then
it's 24").

Also inneresting is that NYC has greatly relaxed its code, by adopting the
much more lenient NEC.
For example, at one time, the max #12 wires in 1" emt was 8 or 9 in the 70s,
now it's almost 20, iirc. *Big effing diff.
--
EA





--
EA- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I recently installed an auxillary electrical panel, and the city
inspector here in Denver said that there was no minimum height, just
that the bottom of the panel couldn't be above 6' tall.

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

"Existential Angst" wrote in message
...
Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? And is there a *maximum*
height above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

Never realized there was a minimum height for outlets. I've seen them on
the baseboard in relatively new homes, and of course there are floor mounted
models, which I assume require the special outlet for protection.

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 26, 6:38*am, "Existential Angst"
wrote:
Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

I just happened to ask my own personal NEC code guru this very
question. :)

the answer

no minimum height, max is 6' 6"

with a 30" x 30" x 6' 6" volume clear (no fixed objects) in front the
panel.
Panel doesn;t have to be centered in space; can be high / low or
left / right within access.

But I'd sure hate to work on a panel that was much lower than 24". :(

cheers
Bob

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 26, 1:50*pm, DD_BobK wrote:
On Oct 26, 6:38*am, "Existential Angst"
wrote:

Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

I just happened to ask my own personal NEC code guru this very
question. *:)

the answer

no minimum height, max is 6' 6"

with a 30" x 30" x 6' 6" volume clear (no fixed objects) in front the
panel.

Hmmm, the 06 IRC and the 05 NEC seem to be in agreement according to
my stuff, and they're a bit different from what your guru told you.
The maximum height of the breaker is 6' 7" and the minimum height of
the working space is 6' 6" x 30" wide by 36" deep.

R

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:54:37 -0400, "Mark" wrote:


"Existential Angst" wrote in message
...
Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time),
iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? And is there a *maximum*
height above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

Never realized there was a minimum height for outlets. I've seen them on
the baseboard in relatively new homes, and of course there are floor
mounted
models, which I assume require the special outlet for protection.


That may be a NYC code but it certainly isn't a NEC rule.

The NYC electric code between the 70s and the 90s was perhaps the most
oppressive electric code in the country.
But, I just read in a forum today that NYC has adopted the NEC in large part
since about 2001. I don't know whether an outlet height requirement
remains.

Hard to imagine NYC abdicating an oppressive yoke of any kind. :(
--
EA

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 26, 12:22*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 26, 1:50*pm, DD_BobK wrote:



On Oct 26, 6:38*am, "Existential Angst"
wrote:

Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

I just happened to ask my own personal NEC code guru this very
question. *:)

the answer

no minimum height, max is 6' 6"

with a 30" x 30" x 6' 6" volume clear (no fixed objects) in front the
panel.

Hmmm, the 06 IRC and the 05 NEC seem to be in agreement according to
my stuff, and they're a bit different from what your guru told you.
The maximum height of the breaker is 6' 7" and the minimum height of
the working space is 6' 6" x 30" wide by 36" deep.

R

Looks like I need a new guru (or one with a better memory).....

Now I know who to ask for answers to my electrical questions. :)

cheers
Bob

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 26, 8:36*pm, DD_BobK wrote:
On Oct 26, 12:22*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 26, 1:50*pm, DD_BobK wrote:
On Oct 26, "Existential Angst" wrote:


I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

I just happened to ask my own personal NEC code guru this very
question. *:)

the answer
no minimum height, max is 6' 6"
with a 30" x 30" x 6' 6" volume clear (no fixed objects) in front the
panel.

Hmmm, the 06 IRC and the 05 NEC seem to be in agreement according to
my stuff, and they're a bit different from what your guru told you.
The maximum height of the breaker is 6' 7" and the minimum height of
the working space is 6' 6" x 30" wide by 36" deep.


Looks like I need a new guru (or one with a better memory).....

Now I know who to ask for answers to my electrical questions. * :)

Errrr, I wouldn't let the guru go just yet. He was close enough for
spit, and I have to look stuff up to verify. I remembered the 6' 6"
working space, but when someone posted the 6' 7" breaker height, that
seemed odd so I had to look it up. I wonder why they wouldn't just
make both requirements the same number? Needless fussing for an
inch. An inch hardly matters...most of the time!

R

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On 2009-10-27, RicodJour wrote:

Errrr, I wouldn't let the guru go just yet. He was close enough for
spit, and I have to look stuff up to verify. I remembered the 6' 6"
working space, but when someone posted the 6' 7" breaker height, that
seemed odd so I had to look it up.

I'm the guilty party. :-)

In both cases the 2008 NEC says 2 meters. So this is just an example
of standardizing on metric and and two different code writing
committees using different rounding practices. In both cases the
rounding practice is to minimize the restriction.

Cheers, Wayne

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 27, 12:56*pm, Wayne Whitney wrote:
On 2009-10-27, RicodJour wrote:

Errrr, I wouldn't let the guru go just yet. *He was close enough for
spit, and I have to look stuff up to verify. *I remembered the 6' 6"
working space, but when someone posted the 6' 7" breaker height, that
seemed odd so I had to look it up. *

I'm the guilty party. *:-)

In both cases the 2008 NEC says 2 meters. *So this is just an example
of standardizing on metric and and two different code writing
committees using different rounding practices. *In both cases the
rounding practice is to minimize the restriction.

Interesting. Thanks for clarifying that, Wayne.

R

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 27, 9:50*am, RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 26, 8:36*pm, DD_BobK wrote:



On Oct 26, 12:22*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Oct 26, 1:50*pm, DD_BobK wrote:
On Oct 26, "Existential Angst" wrote:

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? *And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

I just happened to ask my own personal NEC code guru this very
question. *:)

the answer
no minimum height, max is 6' 6"
with a 30" x 30" x 6' 6" volume clear (no fixed objects) in front the
panel.

Hmmm, the 06 IRC and the 05 NEC seem to be in agreement according to
my stuff, and they're a bit different from what your guru told you.
The maximum height of the breaker is 6' 7" and the minimum height of
the working space is 6' 6" x 30" wide by 36" deep.

Looks like I need a new guru (or one with a better memory).....

Now I know who to ask for answers to my electrical questions. * :)

Errrr, I wouldn't let the guru go just yet. *He was close enough for
spit, and I have to look stuff up to verify. *I remembered the 6' 6"
working space, but when someone posted the 6' 7" breaker height, that
seemed odd so I had to look it up. *I wonder why they wouldn't just
make both requirements the same number? *Needless fussing for an
inch. *An inch hardly matters...most of the time!

R

I was just kidding and attempting to protect the identity of my
electrical guru..... who has since self confessed.

The info was more than "close enough" for me. I assume the intent is
to provide a "man sized" volume from which to address the panel and to
have the volume deep enough such that the worker isnt jammed up
against the panel...ie arm's length plus some play.

Since the code now says 2 meters that would be 78 3/4" (78.740") or 6'
6 3/4"

....btw what is the tolerance on that 2 meter dimension? :) +/- .1
meter? .01 meter? .001 meter?

cheers
Bob

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Oct 28, 1:45*am, DD_BobK wrote:

I was just kidding and attempting to protect the identity of my
electrical guru..... who has since self confessed.

The info was more than "close enough" for me. *I assume the intent is
to provide a "man sized" volume from which to address the panel and to
have the volume deep enough such that the worker isnt jammed up
against the panel...ie arm's length plus some play.

That makes sense and explains why the "man-sized" volume has gone up
in width from 30" to 36". I thought the plumbers were the fat ones
(and before any plumbers take umbrage - you know you're fat so stop
being so defensive). I guess the electricians are catching up. If
this trend continues they're going to have to widen doorways!

R

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

replying to DD_BobK, rey wrote:
is that no minimum height code apply to all states including hawaii?


--
posted from
http://www.homeownershub.com/constru...oor-18131-.htm

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 4:44:05 PM UTC-4, rey wrote:
replying to DD_BobK, rey wrote:
is that no minimum height code apply to all states including hawaii?


--
posted from
http://www.homeownershub.com/constru...oor-18131-.htm

I don't know that you'll get an answer specifically for HI on here.
In general, most places in the USA follow the NEC, but it's up to each
jurisdiction to adopt and enforce whatever they choose. A call to
the local code office typically works, when in doubt. And in the end,
if you're putting in a panel, it's the local inspector that has to
approve it.

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

On Monday, October 26, 2009 at 9:38:59 AM UTC-4, Existential Angst wrote:
Awl --

I know that the NEC code (and NYC code) specifies that a "standard" wall
outlet can't be below X inches above the floor -- 4" (at one time), iirc.

Is there a similar code for breaker panels? And is there a *maximum* height
above the floor, as well?
Curious as to what the various codes are in various locales, esp. in
NYC/Westchester.

--
EA

The US National Electric Code still requires only 30 inches wide in front of the panel up to the top of the panel enclosure or 6&1/2 feet whichever is greater. The 36 inch dimension is the step back distance which increases if the surface opposite the panel enclosure cover is grounded.

--
Tom Horne

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

replying to Existential Angst, Carl wrote:
More wire is allowed in the conduit now because the insulation has become
thinner.

--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/constr...oor-18131-.htm

Breaker panel, code for height from floor
 

"Carl" m wrote in message
...
replying to Existential Angst, Carl wrote:
More wire is allowed in the conduit now because the insulation has become
thinner.

--
for full context, visit
https://www.homeownershub.com/constr...oor-18131-.htm

Who cares.

8 year old post and nothing to do with the question asked.

Is the wire CU or AL?

How long is the wire?

What color is the insulation?

Is the toaster plugged in?

Is the microwave in the corner?