What is the clearance around electrical panel?

For equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal or less to ground, electrical panels must have a minimum of three feet of clearance in front of the panel and a minimum clearance width of 2.5 feet or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater.

How much clear space is required in front of an electrical panel?





36 inches

A: According to NFPA 70-2011, article 110.26, a minimum of 36 inches clearance is required in front of all electrical equipment, including controls and panels, extending from the floor to a height of 6 foot 6 inches or the height of the equipment whichever is higher.

How far can a subpanel be from the main panel?

The right feet would be between 4.5 to 5 feet.



The cable running from your main panel to the subpanel depends on the amperage rating. For instance, for a 30A panel, use a 10 AWG, three-wire conductor.

Can an electrical panel be hidden?

You are allowed to cover your electrical panel but it must be easy to open, can not interfere with the opening of the steel door of the panel and you have to make sure you have full access to all of the breakers. Keep in mind that some local electrical codes may prohibit the covering of your electrical panel.

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





It can also be beneficial to educate yourself regarding any local codes that might exist regarding the minimum clearance space required for electrical panels. However, three feet is adequate clearance for electric panels located in the appropriate areas, should you face any issues.

What is the minimum required width of working space in front of an electrical panel that is 24 inches wide?

wide that contains over current devices, switching devices, or control devices, there shall be one entrance to an egress from the required working space not less than 610mm (24 in.) wide and 2.0m (6½ ft.)

How much clearance does a subpanel need?

All electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of the panel, 30 inches of clearance across the face of the panel, and a minimum of 78 inches above the floor from the top edge of the panel.

Can I hang a picture over my electrical panel?

Circuit breaker boxes are often unpleasant to look at and costly to move. Fortunately, you can decorate over the box to blend it in with the rest of the room. For a quick fix, try hanging a painting or covered frame over it. A circuit breaker can also be hidden inside a cabinet as long as you keep it accessible.

Does an electrical panel need a cover?



National Electrical code does not require a door to cover breaker handles. It does require a cover that prevents access to electrified parts, which must have all openings closed. A panel without a door is not a violation, but a panel without a cover is.

How do you enclose an electrical panel?

Strategically placed artwork, framed message boards, or a weaving or tapestry are all viable options for covering up obtrusive electrical eyesores. HGTV suggests inserting child proof safety plugs into unused outlets before covering with artwork.

Can you drywall over a junction box?

Junction box covers must remain accessible; they cannot be covered with drywall or other surface material.

Can an electrical panel be in a cabinet?



You cannot put it over anything. 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.

How do you hide a breaker panel?

Innovative ways to hide a circuit breaker box

  1. Incorporate colourful paints.
  2. Hang a picture or a painting.
  3. Design a storage cabinet.
  4. Make it a vanity corner.
  5. Turn it into a message board.


Can I paint my electrical panel?

Take the electrical panel cover off the panel itself and make sure to put up a notice or barrier to keep people away from the exposed panel. Apply a coat of rust-preventing primer to help protect going forward. From there, you can use either use a powder coat or a spray paint to make it the color you desire.

Can you drill next to a fuse box?



If the wiring is up to code, cables are supposed to be recessed from the front edge of the metal stud by at least 1.25 inches (NEC 303.4(D)). This leaves you some room to drill and install anchors in the drywall, although I would avoid drilling very close to the panel (as you suggest).

How do you drywall around a breaker box?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Doesn't allow anything more than an eighth of an inch gap. Between a box and the finished wall and it's ultimately the electrician's responsibility to address that gap.

Should electrical panel be flush with drywall?

The key takeaway here as far as installing electrical boxes is that, by setting them flush with the drywall surface, the possibility of arcing from the wires to the wall substrate is minimized, which reduces the risk of an electrical fire.

Do you install electrical outlets before or after drywall?

Here’s a checklist of items that need to be installed before the drywall goes up:

  1. Electrical: All wiring and electrical boxes installed for wall outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
  2. Plumbing: Drain lines along with hot and cold water lines.
  3. Heating and Cooling: Any ductwork for room vents and air return.