Location Is Everything

The code is a little particular about where you can situate a service panel. In addition to being as close as possible to the service conductors’ entry point, a service panel …

➤ Must have clear access to it (a minimum of a 30-inch wide by 36-inch deep uncluttered space).
➤ Cannot be installed inside cabinets or above shelving or any other encumbrance. It also cannot be installed in a bathroom.
➤ Must have a working space with 61/2 feet of headroom around it.

In other words, the panel has to be in a clear and accessible area, and it must be readily visible to anyone looking for it. You can’t store your skis or bikes in front of it, and you must be able to open the panel door a full 90 degrees until it’s flat against the wall. Section 110-26(d) of the NEC calls for some illumination to be provided around the panel so that you or an electrician can see what you’re doing if you have to access the panel. Although the code doesn’t detail how much lighting you need to supply, you want to be able to comfortably read the panelboard (the breakers) and the panelboard directory inside the door.