ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues load center location?

Does the nec prohibit the location of a residential load center behind a bedroom door? the door opens into the bedroom. There would be 10-16 inch side clearence between the sides and 4-5 feet in front of the panel (when the door of the bedroom is closed).

Please give NEC reference.
Thank you

Edward

Perfectly fine.

It would be a wise precaution to fit the door with a privacy latch to prevent it from being opened into you while you are testing in the energized panel.
--
Tom Horne

110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment.
Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by lock and key shall be considered accessible to qualified persons.
(A) Working Space. Working space for equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall comply with the dimensions of 110.26(A)(1), (2), and (3) or as required or permitted elsewhere in this Code.
(1) Depth of Working Space. The depth of the working space in the direction of live parts shall not be less than that specified in Table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of 110.26(A)(1)(a), (b), or (c) are met. Distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed.

Table 110.26(A)(1) Working Spaces
Nominal Voltage to Ground_______Minimum Clear Distance
___________________________Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3
0–150 _____________________900 mm (3 ft)900 mm (3 ft) 900 mm (3 ft)
151–600 _________________900 mm (3 ft) 1 m (31/2 ft) 1.2 m (4 ft)
Note: Where the conditions are as follows:
Condition 1 — Exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both sides effectively guarded by suitable wood or other insulating materials. Insulated wire or insulated busbars operating at not over 300 volts to ground shall not be considered live parts.
Condition 2 — Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other side. Concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as grounded.
Condition 3 — Exposed live parts on both sides of the work space (not guarded as provided in Condition 1) with the operator between.
(2) Width of Working Space. The width of the working space in front of the electric equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 750 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all cases, the work space shall permit at least a 90 degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.
(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E). Within the height requirements of this section, other equipment that is associated with the electrical installation and is located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electrical equipment.

[This message has been edited by tdhorne (edited 06-17-2004).]