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fridge next to electrical panel?

16 years ago

I have a nook / large closet that would be the perfect place to put my fridge. This area is a funky house add-on. I think this area was originally meant as a small walk in pantry, but the previous owner ran out of money. There were lots of unfinished things in this house.

I tested it and my fridge fits in there and looks great. Only problem is that the electrical panel for the house is in that space and the fridge would be next to it, about 1-2 inches away and block access. We are in the process of remodeling, so we are constantly going to the panel to turn off the electricity, so my fridge is not in there now. But once we are done, I don't really see a need for the easy access to the electrical panel. My DH thinks it's a bad idea.

Can you give me some reasons why having the fridge next to the panel would be a good / bad idea. Also, if I do go forward, do you have any suggestions on how I could easily move the fridge in the future if necessary; do those furniture moving disks really work? Would they work on a grouted tile floor?

Moving the panel is not an option, it's about $2,000 to move the panel somewhere nearby (where there really isn't a good place) and even more if I want to move it further away from the the kitchen.

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Comments (5)

sue36
16 years ago
Code requires that the electrical panel be accessible. I am pretty sure a code inspector would not allow what you are proposing, discs or not. You might want to post on the electrical forum.
weissman
16 years ago
Except for built-in ones, fridges generally have wheels that make them easy to move BUT blocking your electrical panel is a VERY BAD IDEA and as sue36 says is probably a code violation, illegal, and dangerous.
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solarpowered
16 years ago
It's illegal to block the panel. The electrical code requires a clear space 30 inches wide and 36 inches deep in front of an electrical panel, where nothing is allowed to be. The panel can be anywhere in that 30-inch width--e.g., it could be centered, or it could be right up against the side of that width.
solarpowered
16 years ago
Also, the work space shall permit at least a 90 degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.
lyfia
16 years ago
I know you said it is expensive to move it, but is it on an exterior wall? If so could you flip it so it is outside access? I'm not sure where you are if that is allowed, but quite common in TX. You'd need an exterior rated box.

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