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In treading lightly and not wanting to bug the local inspector too much, what is the generally accepted minimum distance to be maintained from the nearest window when mounting a main disconnect box ?
In my situation there is a basement tilt out window that maybe swings out 3″ max. and no way anyone could reach out from it and also the window is high above a kitchen sink.
I am upgrading my system to 200 amps and there will be a new meter base and a main disconnect to be mounted to the right of it, and the nearest window is farther to the right of the main disconnect location.
The reason I’m posing this question is I’ve been told 4 feet and this puts the assembly too close to where a concrete staircase comes down and narrows the passage way. 3 feet would be perfect but maybe not kosher with the inspector.
Can’t do any digging for burying the conduit or jackhammering away at the sidewalk until this detail is worked out.
(I did leave a message with the inspector but they’re very very busy and not sure if I’ll get a reply.)
Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Alan, you never know until you ask what the local requirements will be for clearance. The only clearance requirement that came up during a remodel last year was directly in front of the panel. They required 3 feet. Side clearance didn't appear to be a problem
*On the Codecheck page, they indicate that it needs to be on a 30" clear space with 36" in front, but do not indicate where the meter must be within the clear space. Seehttp://www.codecheck.com/eleccode.htm#anchor1136230(or go to http://www.codecheck.com/ click on no frames, then electrical and click on meter/main
*To agree with Casey: My local requirement is 30" clear to each side and 36" in front of a panel. I believe a fixed window could be within the 30" to the side but an open window/door could not be. A slightly openable window would depend on the interpretion of the inspector. I'm glad there is only one inspector in our town so if I get an answer to a question, it doesn't change when a different inspector shows up.
*Try to make time and visit inspection when they open but before the inspectors leave for their rounds. Straight from the horses mouth clears up alot of misconceptions. Have a sketch of your situation, photo if you have one and maybe a dozen donuts just to break the ice. Always be courteous and treat em with respect and you should get that answer quick. Best of luck.
*Thank-you, folks !Nice to know the 30" figure, although 36" is more then enough for me.Thanks for the URL, CaseyR.I've promptly bookmarked them.I talked to the inspector over the phone this morning and he was very helpful.He gave me the ok to go ahead and mount the assembly a little closer to the tilt out window outside to allow me more room at the concrete stair landing.The bottom corner of the meter base box would have been at the perfect height for putting a serious dent on the forehead of one of our sons and it's a relief he was flexible on this.