You ever feel crowded, boxed in, no room to breathe? We all need some space around us or a comfort zone. Sometimes we want more, like when you're steaming mad because some just cut us off on the highway. Then there are times we like to very close and intimate.
With homes there are no emotions involved, instead we have rules or codes that define much of how components should be built or installed. The rules often state specific parameters for an installation.
One rule is how much space is required around electric panels. A specified amount of space is necessary to allow for a safe and unimpeded work area. It's no fun to remove the cover from and work inside a live electric panel in very close quarters. Feeling crowded, boxed in with no room to breathe in an intimate situation with electricity is no one's idea of a good time.
Looking at the electric panel here you can see it's in a some what confined area. The door juuuuust squeaked by the board to open fully. I was able to remove the cover because of the good foresight of the installer. He drilled a hole through the bottom of the shelf (bottom photo).
In addition to the panel being confined, it's in a closet. The rules are very specific on closets; you can't put an electric panel in one. Clothes yes, electric panels NO!
Everything and everyone needs a certain amount of space, too bad someone didn't consider that before they put this electric panel in the closet.
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC
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You can see the wire in the picture here. The knobs are porcelain cylinders nailed to the boards and the tubes, there's just one, are put through the joists. That is at the top of the photo.
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