# Main electric panel clearance **URL:** \ **Category:** Misc. Discussion\ **Created:** [December 12, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698 "2019-12-12T17:35:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jmejia6](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmejia6/32/57038_2.png) [@jmejia6](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmejia6)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/1 "2019-12-12T17:35:36Z")
![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/6/f/6fa2a84d9cefb02295c3c50fbf874a67794bb655.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/f/8/f8b0f98da9caaa60eb7eb2423d9729f4a6e19953.jpeg) This isn’t the best photo, but the main electric panel is right above this washer/dryer connection in the utility room where the red arrow is. I reported this as a defect because an electric panel shouldn’t be right above a washer/dryer connection, mainly due to the washer connections, and I recommended either the panel or the washer/dryer connections be moved. Am I correct? ---
**Author:** ![jmckee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmckee/32/211009_2.png) [@jmckee](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmckee)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 5:38pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/2 "2019-12-12T17:38:16Z")
I don’t believe it has anything to do with the faucet connections , but there would be an accessibility problem with the machines in place… ---
**Author:** ![jmejia6](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmejia6/32/57038_2.png) [@jmejia6](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmejia6)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 5:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/3 "2019-12-12T17:41:47Z")
Thanks James. I did point that out as well to my client. ---
**Author:** ![srechkin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/srechkin/32/180448_2.png) [@srechkin](https://forum.nachi.org/u/srechkin)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/4 "2019-12-12T17:58:25Z")
![E3405-electric-panel-clearance2](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/5/95f6dea758122cc69bc5b010b0f467c030120bfe.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mwilles](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mwilles/32/181480_2.png) [@mwilles](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mwilles)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 6:16pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/5 "2019-12-12T18:16:30Z")
Since you took a picture of the other side of the wall. I would be looking at the stand pipe height for the washing machine as well as the length of the standpipe. A standpipe too short may not allow the washing machine to not fill completely. I’m not a big fan of mechanical vents they may not be accepted in your jurisdiction. A short sweep elbow going from vertical to horizontal isn’t acceptable in any jurisdiction. Any thoughts on recommending a GFCI receptacle? ---
**Author:** ![jmejia6](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmejia6/32/57038_2.png) [@jmejia6](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmejia6)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 6:58pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/6 "2019-12-12T18:58:27Z")
Thanks Martin. I didn’t even consider that. I did recommend a GFCI outlet and also mentioned that that outlet may be too close to the washer connections. ---
**Author:** ![jmejia6](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmejia6/32/57038_2.png) [@jmejia6](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmejia6)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/7 "2019-12-12T18:59:40Z")
FYI this house was built in 1962 and that panel appears to be the original one. This utility room was an addition. ---
**Author:** ![mgoldenberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgoldenberg/32/89265_2.png) [@mgoldenberg](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgoldenberg)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/8 "2019-12-12T19:01:27Z")
In addition, the dryer vent is a non-approved mylar foil type. 🤠 ---
**Author:** ![mparks2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mparks2/32/172915_2.png) [@mparks2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mparks2)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/9 "2019-12-12T19:08:02Z")
> [@jmejia6](#): > > This utility room was an addition. This is what made it not code compliant. Even still it is not a safety hazard. It just means that an appliance will need to be removed to make ‘working’ on the panel safer. ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:17pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/10 "2019-12-12T19:17:20Z")
They’re not going to do anything about it anyway. Home inspection is an easy thing. You call out what you know. And move on. I don’t think I’d call it out. Nope! Yeah everybody let’s tear the damn thing out and move it over 6 feet. ---
**Author:** ![mparks2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mparks2/32/172915_2.png) [@mparks2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mparks2)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/11 "2019-12-12T19:19:31Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > They’re not going to do anything about it anyway. Home inspection is an easy thing. You call out what you know. Ditto. Do over think it ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:21pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/12 "2019-12-12T19:21:59Z")
No that’s what will get you in trouble as a home inspector. ---
**Author:** ![mparks2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mparks2/32/172915_2.png) [@mparks2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mparks2)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/13 "2019-12-12T19:24:34Z")
oops DON’T over think it ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:28pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/14 "2019-12-12T19:28:55Z")
As an inspector for 4 decades if not a little more. On most inspections I could write volumes. Many would be like the encyclopedia Britannica in hard copy. But having a Keen Eye and knowledge. That’s what’s helped me out the most. Make note of the things that you have concerns about. But write hard on the things that are safety and hazards. What I find with most new inspectors. Including my ride-alongs this past year. They get this gestapo inspector thing going. It is not needed. ---
**Author:** ![jfudge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfudge/32/414352_2.png) [@jfudge](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfudge)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 7:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/15 "2019-12-12T19:46:05Z")
When is the first volume coming out? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jmejia6](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmejia6/32/57038_2.png) [@jmejia6](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmejia6)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 8:04pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/16 "2019-12-12T20:04:08Z")
That’s why I asked. I don’t want to get in the habit of being “that guy”. This is the first time I ran into this type of installation and wavered back and forth whether or not to include it. I did include it just in case. I did speak to my client and told him the biggest concern would be that if the appliances are there it would be harder to shut if the breakers in case of emergency. ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 8:05pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/17 "2019-12-12T20:05:21Z")
Junior! I’ll give you a signed copy LOL ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 8:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/18 "2019-12-12T20:06:26Z")
You did very well I have no problem with that. I believe I would have done the same. Happy inspecting. In addition, you asked a good question and phrased it correctly and deserved a good reply. I wish all of them would do it the way you did. I’m on my phone so ignore the typos or the grammar. ---
**Author:** ![mgratton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgratton/32/58251_2.png) [@mgratton](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgratton)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/19 "2019-12-12T20:49:34Z")
> [@jmejia6](#): > > the biggest concern would be that if the appliances are there it would be harder to shut if the breakers in case of emergency my biggest concern would be that metal appliance being in front of the electrical panel. One would most likely be touching it to access the panel…and could get electrocuted under the right circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2019, 9:23pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698/20 "2019-12-12T21:23:55Z")
I would recommend that he has a good life insurance policy on his wife. No! I didn’t state that. Replace it with mother-in-law. I remember inspecting many years ago. When Housewives we’re getting foot problems from terrazzo floors. Didn’t call that out. LOL Does anyone else remember that ? It may have been a Florida thing. [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/main-electric-panel-clearance/158698.md?page=2)