A job in a new condo building made me rethink my whole approach to panel placement

I was working on a big install in a new high rise downtown last month. The building manager insisted all panels had to go in the master bedroom closet, which is what the plans said. After the third unit, I realized every resident was using that closet for storage and piling stuff right in front of the panel. I had to move a stack of suitcases just to do a simple test. Now I always ask the homeowner where they actually want it, even if it means a longer wire run. How do you guys handle it when the blueprints don't match up with how people actually live?

2 comments

2 Comments

patricia_lee7d ago

Honestly that closet placement is a classic builder move to save a few bucks on wire runs. The real problem is calling it a master bedroom closet when it's the only full size closet in the whole unit. Tbh I've started showing clients a picture of a blocked panel during the planning talk. It makes them think about their own junk pile. Ngl sometimes you just have to point out the code book says you need clear access, not just theoretical access behind their winter coats.

sanchez.sean7d ago

My old boss used to say a closet was fine for panel access. Seeing that photo of a blocked panel full of junk last year totally flipped my view. Now I get why the code says clear space, not just possible space.