Expert: Dan Griffin - 12/31/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dan -
Getting ready to frame by basement.  Current code requires that I leave 3 feet between the electrical panel and the new wall.  ( i plan on buliding a half wall with louvered doors on top to access the panels)How do I insulate that 3 foot space? I am applying a drylock paint to the walls, then insulation batts, vapor barrier, then drywall everywhere else.

ANSWER: You will need to do a bit of double checking with your AHJ, but I think you can build the new wall right across the panel as long as you provide a regular door or cabinet door larger than the panel that provide total access to the panel rather than the 3 foot closet rule.  There is a requirement to maintain a 3 foot clear space in front of the panel.  Installing a hollow core door would keep furniture,etc away from blocking the space.

Either way, you can insulate the walls around this "closet".  You may want to do a bit more research about your vapor barrier.  Basements notoriously draw moisture from the exterior.  It may be better to allow some air movement to allow vapor to move rather than collect.  Are you absolutely certain that your walls do not leak in any way, shape, or form in even the heaviest rainy season?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks Dan. I typically have the dehumidifier running but never any water
leaks into the basement - at least not visably. If I have to keep the closet wall
3ft away from the panel, do I have to worry about that space?

Answer
If I were the inspector or the electrician, I don't think I would want to lean over a half wall and reach across 3 feet to access the panel.  If the decision is to maintain the 3 foot, you could turn the studding back to the walls and maintain the insulation envelope.  Let me know what the "smart guys" decide.  We have many panels in schools done with the doors almost touching the panels and providing working access which is the reason for the 3 foot rule.