Does NC electrical code require that your circuit breaker box be placed on the outside of your home?

Question

I'm about to move into a new townehome (under construction) in North Carolina. I noticed that the circuit breaker box is on the outside back of the home? I was wondering if code required it to be there or if the builder just decided to do it that way?

Answer 1

I am not an electrician, however I am a mechanical contractor. I'm sure it meets electrical code especially for new construction. It has to pass electrical inspection before you can get an occupancy permit. If in doubt, contact your local building inspector.

Answer 2

Normally, they are required to be on the inside........so your breakers don't get damp and cause shorts........you sure your not looking at the meter base........cash register??

Answer 3

It can be in either inside or outside.  Most houses in NC have crawlspaces and so, the panelbox is in the garage.

Answer 4

NEC  (National Electrical Code) does not require the circuit breakers to be outside but some local codes require the builder to put it outside and if you are building in locations that use their own code you have to follow their codes.  If any of the people making the rules had any common sense it would not be outside. There is nothing like going out in a heavy rain and resetting the breakers after a lighting storm. Better have a good umbrella and a dry stick.

Answer 5

The circuit breaker box is inside the house. The meter socket is always on the outside of the house. That is where the electricity feeds into the home.  It is usually placed according to where the electricity from the service provider, your electrical company says it would be easiest for them to connect to. Sometimes it does not matter to them, and the builders puts it where they want to.