Hello, I am still doing my training, but have been doing some strictly visual practice at some friends houses who have volunteered. I know there are a few obvious defects, but my questions are more about the safety of utilities being so close to eachother.
This closet housed the water meter, two electrical panels, the sump pump and natural gas lines.
Like I said, I am starting out, but feel like this is not common. Is this considered safe and why is it considered safe?
My instinct was to defer to an electrician, but would love feedback on what you think.
The NEC (National Electric Code) does allow an electric panel to be mounted horizontally, but only if vertical mounting is not possible due to space limitations or otherwise impractical (NEC 240.33).
just my wag
Thanks for your feedback. I will look further into the safe workspace clearances.
A little back story. As a child while playing hide and seek I sat on a water meter and it burst, giving the area a good power washing. I thought of this while inspecting this. It jumped out to me as a potential hazard. It makes sense that this would be ok, seeing as water pipes often run near panels. I guess these rooms are not meant for hide and seek though. Best wishes. Thanks all.
Here is my take on this situation.
Given that there may be some work space issues, what is the possibility that any alterations would or COULD be done?
Think in realistic terms before going overboard with imaginary “could or might happen” situations.
Just to be clear. Circuit-breaker enclosures can be mounted horizontally if the circuit breaker is installed in accordance with 240.81. Section 240.81 specifies that ‘where circuit breaker handles are operated vertically’, the “up” position of the handle must be in the ON position.
