I am having my house rebuilt after a fire and, given that the basement floods occasionally (sometimes up to the top in a bad flood), i'm having the breaker box and hot water heater moved to the first floor. they just put in the pluming and elctric lines and they made a small "room" within a room for the hot water heater. On the outside wall of this hot water heater room is where the breaker panel is. It's definitely less than 3 feet from the water heater but it's on the outside wall of the heater cubby so the back of the breaker panel will be very close to the heater (although most likely in a wall once they're done). Is this up to code and, more importantly, is it safe?
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Can you post photos of how things are arranged? The clear working area rules in the NEC deal with what's in front of the panel, not behind it, btw...– ThreePhaseEelCommented Feb 25, 2017 at 20:21
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1 Answer
It is absolutely safe. There is no clearance issue with regard to a water heater, or even a sink, and an electrical panel. The only issue is with working clearances, and this is an issue regardless of what is around the panel. Based on the letter of the code it is perfectly feasible to have a water heater or sink immediately next to a breaker panel.
Contrary to popular belief, an electrical panel, or most other electrical equipment, will not explode and blow up the house if contact with water is made.
I have seen with my own eyes, basements flooded to the rafters, with the electrical panel completely submerged, and on and working. There are many videos online with small appliances like hair dryers, submerged in a sink full of water while still powered and working....completely under water.
answered Feb 26, 2017 at 0:35
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Thanks. I knew it was up to code but i had fears of a leak spraying water on the wall and the water soaking through to the breaker panel on the other side. My house burned down due to a freak accident where someone drove into the electric pole outside of our house and which caused electricity to arc on the side of the house and started a fire so i'm very nervous about electricity. Commented Feb 26, 2017 at 22:34
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To people reading this be aware that water (non-distilled) is known to be an excellent conductor. You should always keep electrical appliances and service fixtures away from direct water sources. IEC & NEMA (NEC) Standards specify Enclosure Levels for the protection of Electrical Equipment from water immersion, for reducing this risk. Failing to do this can cause electroshock to users and fire hazards. Commented Nov 9, 2018 at 18:48