Rotating Circuit Breaker Panel

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

Our circuit breaker is in a bathroom off the garage. It was not originally a bathroom, I am sure. They redid the utility/storage room accessible from the garage and 1/2 the garage into a mother-in-law suite (area) of sorts. We opened the garage back up and sealed the door (then to the garage) so the only way into the bathroom is through the hallway behind the kitchen. the problem is the circuit breaker panel SHOULD NOT be in a bathroom IMHO. Especially with a shower and a whirlpool tub in there. It gets really steamy. What I would like to do is turn it around to inside the garage. I asked around and was told all we need to do is turn the power off, through the electric company and pretty much just turn it around. UMMM I doubt it is THAT simple. Anyone done this before or know exactly the best way to get this done. Is an electrician NEEDED for this?
Picture is attached explaining the layout better.
thanks

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Comments (4)

User
12 years ago
Where is your meter, and is there a main disconnect out there? Both the NEC and IRC require the same thing.
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E3405.4 Location of working spaces and equipment.
Required working space shall not be designated for storage. Panelboards and overcurrent protection devices shall not be located in clothes closets, in bathrooms, or over the steps of a stairway.
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http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_34_sec005.htm
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E3601.6.2 Service disconnect location.
The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. Service disconnecting means shall not be installed in bathrooms. Each occupant shall have access to the disconnect serving the dwelling unit in which they reside.
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http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_36_sec001.htm
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Where you live may be helpful in this conversation.
NoLongerTrustThisSite thanked User
NoLongerTrustThisSite
Original Author
12 years ago
thanks for the reply
We live in Georgia.
The meter is on the outside wall the that bathroom, before the garage wall part starts. There is no main disconnect, none visible anyway, everything is in a clipped panel, the only thing visible is the meter sticking out from the top of the panel. That's why we need the electric company involved I assume; we are not allowed to break those clips/locks, are we?
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NoLongerTrustThisSite
Original Author
12 years ago
So your telling me that was not built to code. Does not surprise me nothing else in the bathroom was either. We have to redo all the plumbing. If it is not to code shouldn't the home inspector or appraiser have noted that and been required to be moved (around) or something. There was an exterior wall that was rotten and the appraiser required it fixed before we went forward, but crkt brkr in bathroom was not mentioned at all.
User
12 years ago
Don't know what the code was when it was built, but it appears that it would not work now. I would get an electrician involved and upgrade the service while you are at it.
NoLongerTrustThisSite thanked User