Choosing the right location for installing an electrical panel is crucial to building a safe electrical system inside your home.
Although you will require to hire an expert in the field in order to install the electrical panel, and they should be able to suggest where you should install the panel, it will be great if you have a thorough idea about setting up an electrical panel.
In this article, we will discuss whether you can put an electrical panel in the bathroom. We will also help you analyze the risk factors associated with it. You can apply this knowledge in case of both new establishments and replacements.
Electrical panel in bathroom:
You should not install an electrical panel in the bathroom. In general, no overcurrent electrical devices should be located in the bathroom. This includes fuses and breakers as well. However, you can install an electrical junction box in the bathroom.
You can put an electrical panel in the bathroom. But you should not do so. If you are mainly working with dwelling units in hotels or guest rooms, then you should definitely not put the overcurrent device in the bathroom.
On the other hand, you can install overcurrent electrical panels in the bathroom in such units.
The rule of thumb, in this case, is that unless otherwise approved by an expert, you should not put the electrical panel in the bathroom.
You should install the electrical panel or breaker boxes indoors alright. But they should be placed in a dry location, that is primarily free of harmful elements.
However, a bathroom mostly remains wet or damp. So experts do not recommend putting the electrical panel in the bathroom.
In addition, if you install a breaker box or an electrical panel in the bathroom, it will be exposed to various fumes, gases, vapor, and other deteriorating agents. So you should steer clear of putting the panel in the bathroom.
When you are purchasing electronic equipment and panels, you will notice that most of them are made of corrosive elements, and recommended for use in indoor locations and dry places.
In fact, there are some codes that prohibit locating the electrical panel in the bathroom. The code NEC 240.24(E) does not allow you to install an electrical panel in the bathroom.
Risk factors:
If you install an electrical panel in the bathroom, it raises several concerns. There are many risk factors associated with this case. So you will have to be careful when choosing the right location for your electrical panel.
Electric shock:
You will have to be careful of electric shocks when you are installing an electric panel. And if you install an electric panel in the bathroom, it will surely pose risks of electric shocks.
So if you install an electric panel in the bathroom, there is a risk that you or any of your family members may be affected by it. There are several risk factors associated with the process. And most of them lead to an electric shock.
Of course, the intensity of the electric shock will vary. But you should be warned that while some of the electric shocks may leave you with just a minor burn, some electric shocks may cause you severe injury.
So you should be careful when and if you install an electric panel in the bathroom. There is a reason why experts do not recommend this.
Damaged insulation:
Another major risk factor while installing electric insulation is damaged insulation. This may cause electric shocks and even blow ups. So you will need to keep an eye out for cracks and cuts in the wire. Watch out for abrasions as well.
Water exposure:
When you install the electric panel in the bathroom, another risk factor is water. There is a risk that the electric panel will be exposed to water. This may end up causing another blow up. This may even cause you electric shocks and burns.
Code for the electrical panel in the bathroom:
While building an electrical system in the bathroom, you will have to be careful about following the right codes.
Otherwise, there will be a risk of malfunctioning the electrical panel. And the risk factors can cause mild to severe injuries. So it is important that you follow the protocol properly.
The code for an electrical panel is titled 230.70(A). It states that an electrical panel should not be located in the bathroom.
There are many risk factors associated with it. Such as, when you install the electrical panel in the bathroom, there is a risk that it will be exposed to water. The risk of electric shocks is also higher in this case.
In addition, there is a high risk that the insulation system for the electrical panel will be damaged when you install it in the bathroom.
Another code that involves electrical panels in the bathroom is 240.24(E). This one states that in guest rooms of hotels, you should not place the electrical panel in the bathroom.
Placing overcurrent devices in the bathroom may cause electrical shock and burns. So you should follow the codes strictly when it comes to installing electrical units at home or any other establishments.
When were electrical panels banned from installation in bathrooms?
Electrical panels were, at one point, banned from installation in bathrooms. This was after the effect of the National Electrical Code NEC in 1993. The code is 240.24(D).
The code by NEC said that you are not allowed to put electrical panels in the bathrooms of dwelling units, dormitories, and guest rooms of hotels and motels.
In addition, the overcurrent devices, other than those that were used for supplementary protection, should not be used in the bathrooms.
However, if one had installed an electrical panel in their bathroom before 1993, it did not have to be relocated. But users were not allowed to put new electrical panels in their bathrooms after the pull off of the NEC code in 1993.
How far does a breaker box need to be from water?
If you are installing a breaker box next to a water line, then there are some regulations that you will have to follow. The breaker box will need to be at least 30 inches away from the water.
It is very important that you keep at least some space between the breaker box, electrical panel, and the water pipes. Otherwise, the heat will not be able to release which may end up causing an accident.
This is true for side-to-side clearance. Note that the clearance will need to be at least as wide as the electrical panel that you are installing. This will allow enough breathing space for the electrical panel.
And if we are talking about a breaker box that is smaller than 30 inches, then you can opt for smaller clearance space. In that case, you may keep about 1 inch of clearance space when the width of the electrical panel is 16 inches.
Make sure that you keep about 13 inches of space on the left of the electrical panel.
Electrical panel location and installation requirements:
Here’s how you can choose the right location for the electrical panel. You will have to maintain some location and installation for the electrical panel. Read ahead to learn more about them:
Height:
In the case of the height of an electrical panel, you will have to follow some measurements.
The electrical panel will need to be at least 4 feet higher than the ground. But you should make sure that it is not higher than 6 feet from the ground.
In addition, you will need to make sure that the panel door of the electrical panel opens to a minimum angle of 90 degrees. Otherwise, there is a risk that the electrical panel may malfunction.
Working space:
Make sure that the electrical panel is not confined in a congested place. You need to allow enough working space for the electrical panel. It should have enough space around it in order to ensure smooth heat release and insulation.
Final thoughts
You cannot put an electrical panel in the bathroom. In fact, there are a few building codes that will prohibit you from installing an electrical panel in the bathroom. However, if you have installed it before the code was enforced, then you are not required to relocate it.