Main panels in bedrooms?

[Welmoed Sisson]

I'm doing a pre-settlement walkthrough next week for a custom-built home (>$1Million). It was supposed to be today but when I got there they weren't nearly ready and the client told me settlement had been moved back a week. But I walked around the house anyway, to see if there were any glaring issues. One that I saw was the two main panels (2x200amp) located in a bedroom in the basement. I can't find my copy of Code Check Complete (it's probably in Bob's car... Time to get my own!), so can't look up to see whether that's allowed? I was under the impression that electrical panels couldn't be in sleeping spaces. This is in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Thanks for any pointers... The client is quite concerned as this was going to be a caregiver's bedroom.

[Welmoed Sisson]

Thanks! I was always under the impression that it wasn't allowed.

[John Kogel]

Check for signs of condensation inside the panels.

Usually, there is minimal (none) insulation between an exterior wall and the back of the panel, so it is a cold metal surface. With heat and heavy breathing in the bedroom, they often get moisture in there.

I tell people to have the connections cleaned and to install an insulated cover. Anyone disagree?

[Raymond Wand]

I find condensation is a result of improperly sealed conduit allowing cold air entry during winter months.

[Raymond Wand]

Yup. And lots of insect carcasses too!

[jack davenport]

Perfectly legal
This is not code violations in the NEC or the Local admendments in Montgomery County.
( provided they are not in the clothes closet)

Matter of fact this is very common in the upper county where those MPDU stacked units are.

[bob smit]

Conduits from outside to inside space conditioned areas are required to be sealed per NEC.