Panelboard clearance

[wilsonv]

Hello, can a panelboard be installed 20" from a drinking fountain, as long as you have the 30" working space in front of the panel? or do I need to treat it as a receptacle next to water, so that the working space be at least 6' from the drinking fountain? (I probably don't want a GFI panelboard...)

 

[alehman]

I don't think there is any prohibition in the NEC for this installation. But that doesn't necessarily make it a good idea.

 

[EEJaime]

There are no code restrictions for the panelboard location as described. All you need to comply with is the front clearance with a minimum width of 30". It is very common to have panelboards in janitor's closets, etc..., with water sources. These should not pose any danger as long as proper maintenance and clearances are included. NEC does not require GFI protection except for specific locations and receptacles.

 

[alehman]

Actually the NEC doesn't allow panelboards in janitor closets. It may be common practice, but NEC requires "dedicated spaces" for such equipment. Most plan reviewers I've worked with won't accept a panelboard in a small room labeled 'janitor' or similar.

 

[wilsonv]

Alehman, my application will be a panelboard on the same wall as the drinking fountain and will be facing an open area, it won't be enclosed in a room. This wall is only about 7ft wide. What is your opinion on installing this Panelboard about 2ft horizontally apart from the drinking fountain. Of course they will be at different elevations.

 

[resqcapt19]

Alehman,

It may be common practice, but NEC requires "dedicated spaces" for such equipment. Most plan reviewers I've worked with won't accept a panelboard in a small room labeled 'janitor' or similar.

Yes, the code does require dedicated "space", but that does not mean a dedicated room. As long as the rules in 110.26 are complied with, you have the required dedicated space. This space can be in almost any room that you want with the exception of "clothes closets" and bathrooms.
Don

 

[alehman]

I agree, but in my experience many plan reviewers won't interpret a janitor closet as a dedicated space (and probably for good reason).

 

[majorgoals]

Janitor closets or any closet for that fact are the worst place to install panels primarily for the clearance issues. Closets are places to "stuff, store, hide, stash" and there is no means of oranization to those four words. I have removed ladders, paint buckets, lighting fixtures and lamps, clothing, stored food, mops buckets, and many un-mentionables to get at electrical panels and/or fire alarm panels in older buildings. The clearance is required for "worker safety". If an individual working the panel happens to recieve a shock causing their muscles to tighten and latch on to the panel or equipment sustaining the shock, the idea is the dead weight of the person will allow them to fall away from the panel into the "clearance area" breaking the bond between the person and the shock source. If they don't have the 3 foot minimum clearance and are working in a thoroughly crammmed space, they may latch on and remain in that state till help arrives, their heart gives out or an act of God occurs. That is one of the primary reasons for the 3 foot clearance rule. This has probably happened to several people and was a reason for setting clearance standards in the NEC. Just my two cents from classes and seminars. As for the original question, if that was the only place to locate the panel and water fountain I see no problem per the NEC. Personally, I would design to allow as much space as possible between the two units then "Get Er Dun".