Finishing basement - electrical code ???

normwannabe

I have two questions concerning electrical codes and finishing my basement. I have a new house, w/ full basement and have more plans/ideas than $$.

1). Can I build a bi fold closet over my electrical panel (200 amp) so that it looks finished from the outside, but still allow access (be unfinished) on the inside? Any specific size or clearance requirements?

and 2). I'm building a small shop in one corner of the basement, and as luck would have it, it's on the far end from the panel. My thought is to run a 50 Amp line over and then put in a small breaker panel in the shop itself. I plan to put this fairly high on the wall (double the use as a cutoff switch to keep the kids out of trouble). Any location limits or special issues with this type of setup? Is a breaker in the main box okay to feed another box of breakers?

Thanks for any help, I'm a newbie, but have been reading the great advice and can't wait to get started.

Speedy Petey

1) Yes you can. Keep the door opening at least 30" wide and right in front of the panel.

2) Yes, a sub-panel is a fine idea. Keep the top most breaker no higher than 6' 7" off the floor.

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