Tank placement near electric panel box

[GOSKN5]

I am in the process of ordering and placing a tank in our new home. The place I want to put the tank is perfect! Except for one thing, the electric panel box is about 2-3’ away.

The tank will be acrylic so the top won’t be completely open, but is this a concern? With possible (although unlikely) splashes, condensation, etc?

This photo shows the panel box (red circle) and where the tank would be (red line).

The panel has a wood covered door, and I could cover it with something else as well possibly.

Thoughts?

 

[Drummingbaker2010]

I am in the process of ordering and placing a tank in our new home. The place I want to put the tank is perfect! Except for one thing, the electric panel box is about 2-3’ away.

The tank will be acrylic so the top won’t be completely open, but is this a concern? With possible (although unlikely) splashes, condensation, etc?

This photo shows the panel box (red circle) and where the tank would be (red line).

The panel has a wood covered door, and I could cover it with something else as well possibly.

Thoughts?

as long as you have plenty of towels around the base of your aquarium to catch water during water changes, I think you'll be ok. If you[re still concerned, maybe get a sheet of plexiglass long enough to cover up the electrical panel and I think you'll be fine.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

You need 3' in front of panel for legal work space clearance.

And the panel door must not be obstructed and be able to open90°

 

[GOSKN5]

as long as you have plenty of towels around the base of your aquarium to catch water during water changes, I think you'll be ok. If you[re still concerned, maybe get a sheet of plexiglass long enough to cover up the electrical panel and I think you'll be fine.

The panel is not at/near the floor it’s up eye level on the wall beside. Plexiglass is an idea, but it has a wooden door on it and again it’s at least 2 feet away and at an angle as well.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

The panel is not at/near the floor it’s up eye level on the wall beside. Plexiglass is an idea, but it has a wooden door on it and again it’s at least 2 feet away and at an angle as well.

You legally cannot cover an electrical panel with ANYTHING not even plexiglass or wood, its supposed to be accessible. Thats code not just a idea

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

You can make something easily accessible to cover it but it must be quickly easily accessible nothing permanent..(like a hanging picture type thing)

 

[GOSKN5]

You legally cannot cover an electrical panel with ANYTHING not even plexiglass or wood, its supposed to be accessible. Thats code not just a idea

Interesting, it has a wooden “cabinet” style door over it and I have seen tons of DIY of how to make a door to cover it etc.

 

[MnFish1]

I think it is a concern. Judging by the 'deterioration' of a heating vent thats about 5 feet from my tank (rusted) - and multiple other things that have deteriorated in the same room - incuding a brass statue - that was about 3 feet away - but with no direct contact with water/splashing/etc.

IMHO it won't happen today, tomorrow or 3 years from now - but long term - I would suggest you re-think it - in addition to the comments above.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Interesting, it has a wooden “cabinet” style door over it and I have seen tons of DIY of how to make a door to cover it etc.

Easily Accessible dont take a sheet of plywood or plexiglass and screw it into the studs over it, idk some people think because they never go in it in 20 years that they can cover it up as long as you can access it, and leave working clearance in front of it and the panel door can open 90° id hate to get that kind of thing misunderstood sorry .

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Get a thin foam or silicon weather seal material and seal the door with it to prevent any water from getting splashed on it. Use silicone calking around the outer flange of the box so water cannot make it between the wall and the housing.

Failing that a thin divider wall or some other free standing decorative dressing wall would also help and could be easily positioned how you like it. They come in all sorts of styles and whatnot. you can find something that will go well with the tank/room décor

 

[nereefpat]

+1 for 3 feet of space in front of the panel.
Panel needs to be easily seen, so the fire department can flip the breaker if needed.

If you can meet those requirements, then sure, the tank is fine there.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

+1 for 3 feet of space in front of the panel.
Panel needs to be easily seen, so the fire department can flip the breaker if needed.

If you can meet those requirements, then sure, the tank is fine there.

Yes good addition I agree

 

[Jeeperz]

Me, I wouldn't do it. That breaker box is what keeps your house from burning down. Who knows how a breaker will fail when exposed to saltwater over the long term, might corrode the breaker to keep it from tripping then a good ole fire starts.

 

[GOSKN5]

Thanks everyone, these are all valid points. I had an alternative spot picked out as well, so I am leaning toward that instead. Appreciate the responses.