Hey everyone. I’m currently going through my 10 live trainings in Louisiana. My trainer pointed out that a water heater and electrical panel need to be separated by a wall and can’t be located in the same area? I did a bit of digging on that but wasn’t able to find anything saying that… I had a feeling he was wrong but I wanted to double check with all yall pros. I did find a code about electrical panels needing clearances in front and on the sides for the work space. So as long as nothing impedes that area it would be fine. but nothing about it being near a water heater… obviously they can’t be in a damp location like a bathroom. He just said if it leaks it could energize the panel… I also got a pic. Lemme know what you think… personally I didn’t think it was a major problem… in our area I have seen quite a few water heaters in the same room as a panel.
Welcome Franklin!
I believe your observations are correct and as long as the panel meets the minimum clearance requirements for electrical panels, its a non-issue. I haven’t heard of the requirement that your “trainer” is mentioning and I just did some additional research myself and haven’t found anything to back his/her statement up.
It wouldn’t be mentioned in my report. I often find service panels within several feet of water heaters in a garage or utility room without walls separating the two. You will probably get much more feedback tomorrow morning from more experienced inspectors than myself.
I would be more concerned with impact protection from a vehicle. I don’t see a bollard installed in front of the water heater.
I would also include the lack of insulation on some of those water pipes.
I hope your other inspections are spent with someone better qualified to teach you.
Welcome Franklin!
You are correct, he was wrong.
Welcome Franklin.
I see water heaters placed near electrical panels all the time, from my experience it’s most common in condos and townhouses. I don’t consider it a problem unless it’s placed in such a manner that it’s within the working space of the panel.
Worth repeating for the OP to remember.
As others have stated the information that was given is incorrect. A panel can be adjacent to a water heater or even a sink and still be code compliant as long as the working space is provided. I have heard some inspectors say that the car in front of the panel can be an issue because depending on how close the car is the panel may not be readily accessible as required by the NEC.
Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible).
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
Thank you 
sounds like a good idea hahaha!
Yeah that’s true. Good eye! I didn’t think about that. But you’re definitely right. There definitely wasn’t enough space in between the car n panel. Good eye 
Thank you! Appreciate the info
As a few others have said you need to find a new trainer. If they said this was wrong I’m willing to bet they have also told you other incorrect information.
You will find several nuggets like this that are either the inspectors opinion or oft repeated inspector lore. Congratulations for doing your own research!
Not sure about Louisiana, but in FL, the bollard is only required with gas water heaters.
HIs “inventing” things is one of the worst black eyes on our profession… it makes us all lose credibility and look bad.
It appears jurisdictions may vary.
Overview
Gas-fired and electrical equipment installed in residential garages is required to be protected from vehic-
ular impact. Appliances include clothes dryers, forces air units, energy storage batteries, solar inverters
and water heaters. Equipment mounted more than 6’ from the floor or which is located
outside the normal path of vehicles is exempt from this requirement.
As a NY State authorized instructor, I agree with Martin Willes.
Daniel unless I’m missing it I don’t think the state of Florida defines an appliance as being a gas fired appliance.
Well thanks, I will have to look into that. I do alot of brand new home inspections, and I NEVER see one on electric water heaters, but do on gas (90% of homes here do not have gas)
Thanks!
No matter what the State or Local Jurisdiction may say regarding Gas vs. Electric WHs needing protection, I call out either. Backing into either, can cause a flood and water all around and in proximity to now damaged 240V electric conductors, although not as dramatic as a Natural gas explosion and fire… is probably not all that great of a welcome home from a night of drinking and trying to park the car.
That’s funny! Did your trainer have any thoughts/warnings about a gasoline vehicle being parked next to an electrical panel? 