Electrical panel in a closet in a closet

Specific Inspection Topics Electrical Inspections
1

Hello, everyone. First post here. And that’s not a typo in the subject line. I am finishing part of my basement to put in a new master bedroom, bathroom, and closet. I was planning on putting the panel in the walk-in closet but enclosing it in a full enclosure of the appropriate size (floor to ceiling, 30" wide, 36" deep), but the inspector said that is not allowable because the panel would be in a closet in a closet and since the outer closet is a clothes closet, the panel is still in the “vicinity” of ignitable materials. I don’t quite understand this since there will be a solid layer of finished wall between the panel and any ignitable materials. Thoughts?

I then came up with a second idea to still create a “subcloset”; however, this time, it would have a small door leading directly to the bedroom. The panel would still have the appropriate clearance, but to get to that clearance, the “hallway” (about 3’ long) would only be about 18" wide. Without me providing exact dimensions of the door, the inspector approved this idea via email but said the door to the panel must be at least 24" wide. Is this correct? Would this separate closet need a door of at least 24"?

Thanks!

2

why don’t you just hire an electrician? he will know what your local codes are, and whats allowed and whats not for your area.

You may have to move the panel, and the electrician can do that.

or just redesign your bedroom and closet.

here are the clearance needed.

working-space-color
working-space-color2480×3188 87 KB

1 Like
3

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, the bedroom, bathroom, and closet are already framed up. I only found out that my plan with creating an enclosure (just like the picture you attached) will not work when the inspector came and looked a couple days ago.

4

Can you just put the panel behind the bedroom door and forget the closet?

1 Like
5

It’s not a new house; just finishing half of the basement so the panel is already set up where it is.

6

well since you now know that your plan will not work you can move your panel to an appropriate location,
or move your closet

7

I would ask for a code reference for the 24" minimum door requirement.

8

I’m getting some quotes not on moving the panel. I know it won’t be cheap but hopefully it won’t be outrageous, either.

In terms of moving the closet, there are very limited ways to rearrange the layout. Although the basement was an open space, this half of the basement only has one window so the bedroom has to go over there. And I know the panel cannot be in the bathroom so that really only leaves the closet. It was just a poor place for the builders to put the panel considering it was also quite close to the basement drain stub. It should have been put on the other side near the furnace, water heater, etc.

9

I did, actually. The inspector said it’s in article 120. Not specified there but has been city standard for decades. And also falls under article 90. Which states the AHJ (the city) has the final interpretation.

So it seems like it’s just what the city happens to follow/enforce but isn’t specifically stated in the code.

10

I’m guessing that you meant Article 110, there is no Article 120 in the NEC.

11

That explains why I had such trouble finding any references to spacing.