ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Length of service cables inside

In the 2002 NEC, USE was allowed to be run indoors a maximum of 6 feet.

" The length of the cable extending indoors to the first termination box shall not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft). " 338.10(B)(4)(b)

This language has been deleted in the 2005 edition. If the cable is not dual rated, such as USE/RHW, then it cannot be used indoors if the 2005 NEC is being enforced.

Tom

The only problem I see with panels in the kitchen is you will probably have a working space problem. Wall space in the kitchen is at a premium and you need clear space around a panel.

Could you put it behind the refrigerator?
;-)
They are usually on wheels.
As bad as that sounds it might be the easiest way to insure you maintain the clear space. An issue might be "foreign systems", depending on how the icemaker is plumbed.
In retrospect I would also question "readily accessible" but you usually have that problem, wherever the panel gets installed. How many times have you been able to walk right up to a residential panel in an occupied home and have full working space without moving something?
I put mine in a shallow closet with little room for any other use (except my wiring) just for that reason.