5-6 feet5-6 feet into the structure to the main panel/disconnect. Your local authority/inspector will be the only one who can tell you for sure.

How far can a subpanel be from the main panel?

Depending on the voltage to the ground, you always offer at least 3 to 4 feet clearance from the panel’s sides. You should also ensure that the panel is easily accessible. It would therefore be best if you don’t install it far above the floor. The right feet would be between 4.5 to 5 feet.

How much clearance do you need for a breaker box?





The height of the working space must be at 6-1/2 feet. Other electrical equipment located above or below the panel cannot protrude more than 6-inches beyond the front of the panel.

Can a breaker box be in a closet?

The short, safest and most efficient answer to this question is yes. According to the national code, with relation to electrical panels in closets: NEC 240.24D Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable materials, such as a clothes closet.

Where should the main breaker be placed?

While every home is different, circuit breakers are generally located in low-traffic areas of the home, such as a basement, garage, or utility closet. If you live in an apartment, your circuit breaker may be in a more central location, such as a hallway or laundry area.

Can you run a 100 amp sub panel off a 200 amp main panel?

Of course you can, you can add the 100 amp breaker to your 200 amp as long as it isn’t overloaded, to start adding the subpanel you must first calculate how many yards it will be from the main panel to the subpanel, there is a formula that calculates how much friction will be on the wire at the connecting distance, …

Can you put a sub panel next to main panel?





A subpanel in the same building just needs to be bonded back to the panel feeding it, typically two hots, a neutral, and a ground path. The neutral needs to be isolated from ground.

What is the minimum distance between two electrical panels?

Working Space around Indoor Panel/Circuit Board (NES 110.34)

Voltage Exposed live parts to Not live parts (or grounded parts) Exposed live parts on both sides
9.0 KV to 25 KV 1.5 Meter (5 Ft) 2.5 Meter (8 Ft)
25 KV to 75 KV 1.8 Meter (6 Ft) 3.0 Meter (10 Ft)
Above 75 KV 2.5 Meter (8 Ft) 3.7 Meter (12 Ft)

How far does an electrical panel have to be from a wall?

NEC Guidelines on Breaker Panels

According to the NEC, the working space around the breaker panel must be at least 6′ 6” high and 3 feet square away from the wall, with 30” width. This allows the door to be opened to the panel, with nothing blocking the area.

Can a breaker box be behind a door?



Platinum Member. I see nothing wrong with the panel being installed behind a door as long as there is access to the panel that meets the working clearances and the panel door is allowed to open 90°.

Can you put something in front of electrical panel?

Just don’t put anything heavy or unwieldy in front of the panel, Mr. Wismer added. Or “you’ll have to get those Magic Sliders they show on TV for sliding the furniture around.”

Are breaker boxes ever outside?

The main electric panel can be found in the basement, garage, and laundry room or outside your home. If power lines are placed above the ground in your area, the best way to locate an exterior electrical box is to look for the main service head on the roof of your home.

Can a house have more than one breaker box?



Older homes tend to have fuse boxes. If you have a particularly large house, you may even have multiple fuse or breaker boxes.

Can breaker box be in attic?

Although a location may meet the strict definition of the code, it may not make sense to put it there. For example, locating the main circuit breaker box in an attic where it is not readily accessible does not make good sense — in an emergency it would be difficult to shut off a circuit breaker.

Why is my breaker box on the outside of my house?

Over the past 15 years, regulations have been introduced in certain parts of the country requiring breaker boxes to be located outside of the home. This is so that the local fire department can quickly shut off a home’s electricity supply in the event of a fire.

Does breaker box have to be on outside wall?

They are almost always on an exterior wall. In some areas they are on the outside of the exterior wall – outside your house. Most inspectors would tell you that a garage (interior or exterior wall) or in the basement exterior (right where the line comes in) are the two best locations.

Where should I place my electrical panel?



Best Locations for Electrical Panel

  1. Garages – attached garages are the best location for an electrical panel, as they provide enough space to comply with the clear workspace requirements, but are also quite hidden.
  2. Basements – the basement is another preferable location for your electrical panel.

What is the electrical box outside called?

This piece of equipment is known as the electrical panel, breaker box, fuse box, or service panel.

How many subpanels can a house have?

Even though there is no limit on the number of subpanels that you can add to a circuit, it shouldn’t exceed 160 amps when you’re using a 200 amp main panel. Always follow this guide to install subpanels effectively.

How many outlets can be on a breaker?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.