plumbing over electric panel

Zenman · Sep 12, 2009

Is there a restriction on how close the water supply lines can be to the electric service panel? Currently the water supply runs directly above the main panel and I'm doing some renovations and have to move the supply line. So when I replace the line, is there some minimum distance that I need to maintain?

FloridaOrange · Sep 12, 2009

I never put water piping or ductwork directly over panels. Use some common sense and you should be fine.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

hj · Sep 12, 2009

water

Spacing requirements have to do with possible contact with the piping while working in the panel. If the pipes are overhead there would be little reason to make contact with them.

Cass · Sep 12, 2009

What was the distance and what do you want it to be...

Zenman · Sep 12, 2009

Thanks for the replies so far...

Cass said:
What was the distance and what do you want it to be...

This is in the basement. The panel is against the wall and the supply is 6 inches above the top of the panel and 12 inches in front of it. I was going move it over at least one joist bay (16 inches + the original 12 inches = 28 inches in front of the panel, and still 6 inches above). I could move it an additional joist bay over if necessary.

Jar546 · Sep 12, 2009

E3305.3 Dedicated panelboard space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the panelboard and extending from the floor
to a height of 6 feet (1829 mm) above the panelboard, or to the
structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the
electrical installation. Piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus
and other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall
not be installed in such dedicated space. The area above the dedicated
space shall be permitted to contain foreign systems, provided
that protection is installed to avoid damage to the electrical
equipment from condensation, leaks and breaks in such foreign
systems (see Figure E3305.1).
Exception: Suspended ceilings with removable panels shall
be permitted within the 6-foot (1.8 m) dedicated space

NHmaster · Sep 12, 2009

Yea Jar that's it, that's it exactly

Zenman · Sep 12, 2009

jar546 said:
E3305.3 Dedicated panelboard space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the panelboard and extending from the floor
to a height of 6 feet (1829 mm) above the panelboard, or to the
structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the
electrical installation. Piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus
and other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall
not be installed in such dedicated space. The area above the dedicated
space shall be permitted to contain foreign systems, provided
that protection is installed to avoid damage to the electrical
equipment from condensation, leaks and breaks in such foreign
systems (see Figure E3305.1).
Exception: Suspended ceilings with removable panels shall
be permitted within the 6-foot (1.8 m) dedicated space

OK... from that it seems that no supply lines directly above the panel are allowed. It doesn't specify a distance in front of the the panel, so I guess as long there is some separation I should be good. I was going to be at least 28 inches in front of the panel (if not more), AND above 6 feet, so I shouldn't have a problem.

Thanks!

FloridaOrange · Sep 13, 2009

Zenman said:
OK... from that it seems that no supply lines directly above the panel are allowed. It doesn't specify a distance in front of the the panel, so I guess as long there is some separation I should be good. I was going to be at least 28 inches in front of the panel (if not more), AND above 6 feet, so I shouldn't have a problem.

Thanks!

Correct, the issue code wise is leaking *and sweating from HVAC* down onto the panel or feeders.

plumbing over electric panel

Zenman

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FloridaOrange

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Sponsor

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hj

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Cass

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Zenman

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Jar546

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NHmaster

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Zenman

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FloridaOrange

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