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Monday, August 29, 2022

Question:

Greetings CQD, my house was built in 1962. The service panel was in the garage where the electric drop was located. In the early '70s, the garage was converted to a bedroom, with the service panel then located in a "powder room". I purchased this house in 2019, with the above conditions. Do I have to have the service panel moved? I want to add PV Solar to my house. In Tennessee, EMT is not used and all wiring is NM Cable. I think this would be an over $15K project to relocate the service panel. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Kenneth Maslowski

A

Answer:

Hello Kenneth, thank you for your question. We do not comment on the cost of a project or repair, however, we can provide some guidance on the code questions. In general, the National Electrical Code (NEC) applies to new installations and is only applied retroactively if a code section specifically requires a retroactive application. Under the current 2020 edition of the NEC, Section 240.24(E) prohibits overcurrent protection devices like branch circuit breakers, from being installed in the bathroom of a dwelling unit. It is always advisable to check with the local AHJ as many jurisdictions have specific rules that apply to existing electrical installations. 

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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