The National Electrical Code [NEC 110.26 (A)(1&2)] requires a clear area for access and working in front of an electric panel that is 2.5 feet (30”) wide, 3 feet (36”) deep, and 6.5 feet (78”) high for a regular residential 120/240-volt panel. The 2.5 foot width in front of the panel does not have to be centered, although it is shown that way in the diagram.

   There is one exception to this standard: if there are “exposed live parts on both sides of the working space,” which is unlikely in a residential setting, then the depth increases to 5 feet. Also, “distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or opening if live parts are enclosed."

    Also, storage is not allowed in the required working space, per NEC 110.26(B), the panel door must swing open a minimum of 90º, per NEC 110.26(A)(2), a panel cannot be located in a clothes closet, bathroom, or on stairs, per NEC 240.24 (D,E,F), and the area in front of the panel must be illuminated, per 110.26(D). 

    Also, see our blog posts What is the maximum number of circuit breakers allowed in an electric panel? and What is the maximum allowed height of a circuit breaker (OCPD) above the floor? and What is the maximum height you can mount an electric panel above the floor? and What are the code requirements for an electrical panel cover and door?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about ELECTRIC PANELS:

• What causes copper wires to turn green or black in an electric panel?  

• When should a corroded or damaged electric panel cabinet or disconnect box be replaced? 

• What is a tandem circuit breaker? 

• When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

• Can an electric panel be located in a closet? 

• Can an electric panel be located in a bathroom? 

• Can you add circuit breakers by different manufacturers to an electric panel if they fit?

• My circuit breaker won't reset. What's wrong?  

• What is a split bus electric panel?

• How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

• What does a circuit breaker with a yellow or white test button indicate? 

• What is the maximum gap allowed between the front of a recessed electric panel box and the wall surface surrounding it? 

• What are the requirements for NM-cables entering an electric panel box?

• Why is a fuse box/panel an insurance problem for homebuyers? 

• Why is bundled wiring in an electric panel a defect?

• What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

• Why are old electrical components not always "grandfathered" as acceptable by home inspectors?

• What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

• What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

• What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

   Visit our ELECTRIC PANELS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.