Can a water heater be next to an electrical panel?

Based on the letter of the code it is perfectly feasible to have a water heater or sink immediately next to a breaker panel. Contrary to popular belief, an electrical panel, or most other electrical equipment, will not explode and blow up the house if contact with water is made.

Can a breaker Power Panel be in the same utility closet as a water heater?





A gas water heater needs a 30-inch by 30-inch area, per International Residential Code (IRC M1305. 1.2), and an electric water heater has the same 30-inch by 36-inch requirement as an an electrical panel, per National Electrical Code (NEC 110.26[A]). There service areas of panel and water heater can overlap, of course.

How close can a panel be to a water heater?

Basically, the panel can be anywhere in the 30″ width working space. There is no mention of center of the panel or otherwise. Meaning, the panel can be at the extreme side of the 30″ space as long as the space is clear for 30″. Thanks for clarifying!

Can you put a hot water heater in a closet?

Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they’re an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit. Other water heaters that use fuel combustion are not permitted to be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets that open into these rooms.

How far does water need to be from electrical panel?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not specifically address plumbing pipe clearance, but requires an area clear of any obstructions that is 2′-6” wide, 3′-0” deep, and 6′-6” high around the front of a panel [NEC 110.26(A)].

Can an electrical panel be in a walk in closet?





ANSWER: According to Section 240-24(d) of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which says “Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitable material, such as in clothes closets,” you are not permitted to do this.

How far does tankless water heater need to be from electrical panel?

The only code requirements I’ve found regarding clearances around an electrical panel are allowing at least a 30″ working space (side to side).

Should an electric water heater be off of the floor?

Keeping your water heater off the floor will help in the event of flooding, water damage, or excessive moisture on the ground that can possibly damage your water heater tank through corrosion.

How far does electrical panel need to be from water Ontario?

Within 1.5m of the sink, there should be a GFCI. If this is not the case, you cannot just replace your regular receptacle with a GFCI. It must be a Tslot receptacle which requires a heavier cable that needs to be run back to the electrical panel. This is best left to a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC).

Can you put a receptacle in a closet?



The 2008 National Electric Code forbids open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant lights in closets, per section 410.16(B). It doesn’t have any restriction on outlets in closets.

Can an electrical panel be in a closet in a bathroom?

d. Panelboards, service equipment and similar enclosures shall not be located in bathrooms, toilet rooms and clothes closets. e. Such work spaces shall be provided with artificial lighting where located indoors.

Can an electrical panel be in a bathroom in Ontario?

Electrical Panels in Bathrooms are Not Permitted.

Can you put an electrical panel in a laundry room?



The electrical panels must have an open space of at least 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep. If the open space rule is not violated, these panels can be placed in a laundry room.

What is code for bathroom outlets?

The NEC requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be GFCI protected. Outlet circuit must be 20 amps: The outlets in a bathroom should be served by a 20-amp circuit, separate from the lighting circuit, to provide power items such as curling irons, razors, and hairdryers.