Can electric panels for duplex be in shared space?
11/14/2019 at 5:00:08 PM
Converting a bungalow to a duplex in Ontario and looking to separate the electric service (two meters, two panels, etc.). Can the electric breaker panels for each unit be in a shared utility room or do they need to be within the units themselves?
11/15/2019 at 8:31:13 AM
As long as there is access from both units there should be no problem.
11/15/2019 at 8:35:38 AM
Hello Adam.
Thank you for posting your question on TrustedPros.
The location of electrical panels is addressed in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code section 6-206. To summarize, the electrical is required to be accessible, not located in a closet, bathroom or stairway. It is also not allowed to be in an area with ambient temperature above 30'C nor in a hazardous location or where headroom is less than 2 m.
In your situation, the electrical panels may be located in a shared utility room. When it comes to multiple panels and tenants, the best location for a panel is where a tenant can access their own electrical panel without having to go through another tenant's unit and your proposed location sounds like this requirement is met.
As you complete this project, ensure that each electrical panel is accurately labeled in a legible manner.
Good luck.
Henry
12/3/2019 at 9:14:34 AM
It is permissible as long as the tenant has access to the panel 24/7 or can call someone 24/7. The preferred option is to have them in the individual unit as history tells us that some tenants don't play well together and this can cause issues.
Cheers
J.L. Kuehnl-Cadwell, CD, ME
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
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