How close can a water line be to an 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 you run water lines above an electrical panel?





Because there are no other rules governing plumbing pipes around a panel, you can conceivably run them vertically along either side of the panel, but in no case should they interfere with the operation of the panel door or block access to the panel, says Spyrka Electric.

Can plumbing and electrical be in the same wall cavity?

There are no code restrictions for running electrical cables and plumbing in the same wall cavity, but it would be common sense to keep at least a small separation between them.

How far does a panel have to be from a sink?

There is no rule preventing a panel from being next to a sink. 3′ in front and 30 inches wide are all you need to give the clearances.

How far does an electrical outlet have to be from a water source?

6 feet





According to the National Electric Code (NEC), GFCIs are required to be installed to protect any receptacles within 6 feet of a water source.

How far does electrical outlet have to be from plumbing?

According to the National Electric Code, any receptacle within 6 feet of a water source needs to be protected with a GFCI.

Can an electrical panel be next to 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.

Can you put A sink under an electrical panel?

There is no specific code requirement for the minimum distance from a plumbing fixture to an electric panel, but nothing—including a sink—is allowed to be installed in a working space 2′-6” wide by 3′-0” deep by 6′-6” high in front of an electric panel.

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



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 subpanel be in a closet?

The IRC prohibits subpanels from being installed in clothes closets. Other closets can only be used if no combustibles are stored. There must be a 36” deep, 30” wide, and 6.5 ft high working space in front of the subpanel. This can’t be used for storage.

How close can a sump pump be to electrical panel?

Senior Member. The panel edge would be about 14-16″ from the area directly above the left edge of the sump.

Is it code to have electrical panel in bathroom?



Is it legal to have an electrical panel located in a bathroom? An electrical panel containing the service disconnecting means cannot be located in a bathroom [230.70(A)(2)]. In dwelling units and guest rooms or suites of hotels and motels, overcurrent devices cannot be located in bathrooms [240.24(E)].

Does a bathroom fan need to be on its own circuit?

Bathroom Circuits
If the vent fan has a built-in heater, it must have its own 20-amp circuit. This is called a “dedicated” circuit because it serves only one appliance or fixture. Heat lamps, wall heaters, and other built-in heating appliances may also require dedicated circuits.

Can the outlets in a bathroom be on the same circuit as the lights?

No lighting outlets or other equipment can be fed from the same circuit feeding the bathroom receptacles. For example, a one-family dwelling has two bathrooms and a duplex receptacle has been installed in each. One 20-ampere branch circuit can supply power to both bathroom receptacles but cannot feed anything else.