Minimum Sub Panel Height?

**Leo Leidlein** · 06-17-2009, 02:11 PM

Hi,

I ran into this distribution panel today and it has me wondering if there is a minimum height for service and distribution panels? The upper breaker height on this panel is 31" and the bottom breaker is at 22". I know there is a maximum breaker height and that meters have a minimum and maximum. Maybe the electrician wanted to wire it while sitting on the floor?

Other than the ground and neutrals being isolated at the service panel but being bonded at the distribution panel everything else looked good.

Thanks!

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**Bruce Ramsey** · 06-17-2009, 03:08 PM

This has been discussed before.

There is no minimum height. There is a required free work space in front of the panel. There is a maximum height.

Low panels are inconvenient but not against code.

And before someone else jumps on you, the forum rules of etiquette state there are only Service Panels and Distribution or Equipment Panels. There are no such things as Sub panels. Subpanels only exist in submarines.

**Leo Leidlein** · 06-17-2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks!

**Rick Hurst** · 06-17-2009, 05:14 PM

While on the subject of panel boxes I came across one today in a master closet that had evidently been used at once for a faux safe box. It had a lock on the panel cover. I pulled the door back far enough to shine a light inside to find it was completely empty and had no electrical componets at the inside.

I guess the homeowner decided to break down and buy a real wall safe as there was one next to it. Funny thing was the screws that held the safe in position was on the outside of the drywall. All anyone would have to do is remove those screws and you could have walked off with the safe.

Genious?

rick

**John Kogel** · 06-17-2009, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

I guess the homeowner decided to break down and buy a real wall safe as there was one next to it. Funny thing was the screws that held the safe in position was on the outside of the drywall. All anyone would have to do is remove those screws and you could have walked off with the safe.

Genious?

rick

Maybe it's a breaker panel disguised as a safe? And you didn't inspect it???

A.D. Miller · 06-18-2009, 03:00 AM

LL: Assuming that is a garage location and there are no breakers within 18" of the floor, the installation, though stupid, appears to be compliant.

**Jerry Peck** · 06-18-2009, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by A.D. Miller

LL: Assuming that is a garage location and there are no breakers within 18" of the floor, the installation, though stupid, appears to be compliant.

Bingo! That is a garage, or at least looks like it, and breakers would definitely be ignition sources.

As you guys have said, though, it is dumb to put it that low.

A.D. Miller · 06-18-2009, 08:26 AM

Bingo! That is a garage, or at least looks like it, and breakers would definitely be ignition sources.

As you guys have said, though, it is dumb to put it that low.

JP: OMG, you agree? Let me pinch myself. Is this real?

**brian schmitt** · 06-18-2009, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Bingo! That is a subpanel in a garage, or at least looks like it, and breakers would definitely be ignition sources.

As you guys have said, though, it is dumb to put it that low.

i also have to agree with jp