In most places in the US, it is acceptable to install the electrical breaker panel inside or outside. The panel must be rated for outside use if installed outside.

Can an electrical panel be installed 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 you put a breaker box outside?





It is perfectly fine to move a breaker box outside.

Why is my electrical panel outside?

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.

How close to a wall can an electrical panel be?

NEC code states that panels must have clearance of 36 inches in front, 30 inches to the sides, and a working area with a clearance of 6 foot 5 inches.

Can electrical panel be recessed in wall?

For electrical panels installed between two studs, the Sense monitor needs to be positioned at either the top or bottom of the panel in order to access one of the knockouts. The Sense monitor comes with a mounting bracket that can be mounted inside or outside the panel.

Can I build a closet around my electrical panel?





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.

How do I turn off power to my house from outside?

Locate the main circuit breaker in the house. This may or may not be near the breaker box. In older houses there often is a lever housed in a red box that shuts the electricity off in the house before it reaches the breaker box. Push the lever down to shut off the outside power source.

Where should electrical panels be placed?

Best Locations for Electrical Panel

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. Basements – the basement is another preferable location for your electrical panel.

Do electrical panels need to be locked?



A: According to NFPA 99-2012, section 6.3. 2.2. 1.3 (A), circuit breaker panels to Category 1 and Category 2 rooms must be secured against unauthorized access. If you can justify that only authorized individuals with approved badge readers can access the panels, then you should not have to lock the individual panels.

What is the minimum working space needed in front of an electrical panel?

How to determine requirements—part 2: To be on the safe side, the working space and space around electrical equipment should always be clear per 110.26(A), if possible. As a basic rule, there should be at least 3 feet of space in front of all equipment with a 30 inch width as well as 6½ feet of headroom space.

Can a electrical panel be in a kitchen?

You cannot put it next to anything. There must a clear space in front of the panel for an electrician to stand. The space must be kept clear for at least 3 feet in front of the panel, and for 30 inches left to right in front of the panel.

Can you install an electrical panel 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°.