plumbing over electric panel

[Zenman]

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]

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

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

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]

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

 

[Zenman]

Thanks for the replies so far...

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]

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]

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

 

[Zenman]

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]

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.