[Red Squirrel]

From my understanding pipes themselves arn't a problem near an electrical panel but what about junctions? If there will be a leak or a blow out, that is the more likely place.

I just realized I have quite a few near my panel, and I need to tap into some pex which means I will be adding another.

Is there any issues with this? (small circle is where I plan to tap)

 

[walt1122]

Not an electrician but...here in New Jersey water lines NEAR panel box is a NO NO. Built our house in 2000 and they failed me cause tplumber ran the water line to the outside faucet across the top of the panel then outside. Had to remove the water line compeletly. They even had me remove a flexable heating duct that was to close to the panel box. So I think you need to be very careful here.

Walt

 

[J. V.]

Water pipes are fine over and under panels. As long as they do not interfere with panel access you are fine. The locations you show are positively fine. No question.

Walt1122. Your inspectors were wrong and you could have fought that and won. I know plenty NJ electricians and I have never heard such nonsense. As long as any objects do not impede access to the panel and the proper clearances are observed, you are fine and compliant.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Cool that's what I figured. As long as the plumbing is done properly the odds of a burst or leak are probably very slim anyway.

 

[walt1122]

Wow J.V. and all this time I have been racking my brain for ways around the water pipe, HVAC flex pipe to close to the panel issue.

We finally had to take over constuction from our builders after they screwed us so bad (money, construction over runs, delays and terrible workmanship) Plus the State inspectors never got called for inspections along the way were pissed and took it out on us. They nit picked us over everything, we had to meet with their supervisor every week to give them updates and discuss any issues they might find. The fire inspector had me cut an inspection hole through a outside wall to see how the chimney pipe was attached to the gas fireplace. Issue was the house was a modular and the fireplace was installed within the box that made up the extension of the house and installed on site as one piece all we had to do was put the cap on the galvinized pipe sticking out of the attached piece. It was inspected at the factory and the approval paperwork was displayed for all to see. So he had me open a hole big enough to go into the space of the fire safe wall so he could climb the ladder, and using his flashlight just eyeball the back of the fireplace and give HIS OK!!. So much for a fire safe wall!! Wife and I finally had to sit down with their supervisor and plead with her to please have her inspectors stop taking out their anger with the builders on us. Went a little easier after that but still continued to find faults that they didn't notice before and made our life a living hell. Just like the electrical panel issue.

thanks again J.V. glad you set me straight and gave Red Squirrel better info than I was offrering him.


Walt

 

[zpm]

thump. thump.

110.26(F)(1) indoor

(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the equipment and extending from the
floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to
the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated
to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection
apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical
installation shall be located in this zone.

Translation: You can't have non-electrical stuff directly above/below the panel.

walt1122, the inspector may have been right depending on the exact locations of the water line and duct.

 

[walt1122]

Hi zpm, thanks for the Code reference. If I read this right, 6 feet ABOVE the equipment or structural ceiling, whichever is lower means I'm still in trouble cause my box is at eye height and the ceiling is at 8 feet. Plus Red Squirrel is in trouble too, right??

Walt

 

[Techy]

the protected space is only DIRECTLY above the panel, hold a straight edge to the face of the panel, everything behind it is the protected space

 

[Red Squirrel]

So in my case only that big copper pipe is an issue, the rest is ok.

 

[Saturday Cowboy]

in a residence I wouldn't worry about it. But yes that space is claimed by the electrician. If an inspector ever came down there to look add a drop cieling and he can't complain

 

[walt1122]

Hi Saturday Cowboy yes that is what I have planned. Hide the ductwork under some drop ceiling material. But if I undertand techy correctly I don't have to worry because the duct is directly above and in front of the panel so it is OK. Although just as I posted earlier the State inspector did make me take down the ductwork before he would pass us. We are getting ready to sell and I don't want any problems. I have to put the duct somewhere to feed the seldom used dining room. Only one is ther now and there should be two.

Sounds like Red Squirrel is in pretty good shape.

Walt

 

[J. V.]

thump. thump.

110.26(F)(1) indoor

(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the
width and depth of the equipment and extending from the
floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to
the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated
to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection
apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical
installation shall be located in this zone.

Translation: You can't have non-electrical stuff directly above/below the panel.

walt1122, the inspector may have been right depending on the exact locations of the water line and duct.

Not to split hairs with you as I am impressed you took the time to look this up. :thumbsup:
Water lines and other equipment are allowed above and below panels as long as the proper clearances are observed.
My original post states that clearances must be observed and that water lines and other equipment CAN be located above or below panels.

In the OP's case, the locations he points to would be compliant. Your last sentence is exactly right.