Circuit breaker panel box information is available for those living in California. Whenever performing any kind of electrical work whether it be residential or commercial there is a National Electrical Code that must be observed. For most professionals this code outlines the many rules and requirements regarding electrical installation. It also provides a number of safety guidelines that persons should follow in order to carry out electrical tasks in a safe manner.
Circuit Breaker Panel Box Useful Tips
When it comes to electrical installation not every job is the same. Some jobs may entail large undertakings while some may just be minor electrical tasks but whatever they may be the standards and guidelines within the National Electrical Code must be followed.
To give an ideal example of how the electrical code must be maintained even down to the smallest degree let’s have a look at the installation of circuit breaker panel boxes and what guidelines must be followed to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
A home may be under construction or persons may just be replacing old panel boxes but whatever the case there are a few things that the electrician must do to ensure that these boxes are installed the right way.
The first things that need to be considered are the location and accessibility of the panel boxes. Once this is determined wherever the location of the panel may be there must have three feet of clearance directly in front of it.
The Circuit breaker panel box should be waterproof in event that it is close to any plumbing and should not be placed in bathrooms. Apart from that breaker panels must be at least 4 feet but no more than 6 feet off the ground and there must also be approximately 30 inches in width and 72 inches in length of space around breaker locations from the ground up.
Furniture and other large objects should not be placed to block panel boxes this is especially in cases of emergency that they can be easily accessible without any obstruction.
As it relates to breaker panel safety the National Electrical Code also provides numerous guidelines that must be strictly adhered which are mainly enforced by designating the installation and connection of grounding and neutral terminals. For example only one neutral conductor can be attached to each neutral terminal.
Apart from that several other specific codes exist that all relate to methods for connecting wires and cables to terminals along with a particular set of arrangement guidelines for safety. Basically every wire and cable must be safely connected.
Another very important rule that electricians should be sure to remember is labelling circuit breakers. This is not optional and ensures proficiency, safety and compliance. Labeling the circuit breaker panel box also makes life easier for homeowners and electricians.
In addition in event that firefighters or other emergency personnel may need to shut the power off it’s best that breakers be labeled so issues can be dealt with speedily and specifically.
Although some people may not think it relevant or may not have the time to educate themselves about the National Electrical Code it is highly recommended that they do so.
However some of the terms referred to in the code book may be mind-boggling and there is a plethora of information available online that persons can read up on or they can consider consulting with a professional electrician who can help make sense of it all. Contact us for more information.
