Is it normal for my circuit breaker box to be located outside of my house.?
Question:I just had a house built and during the final walk through i notice that the breaker box was outside without a lock on it for anyone to open. My friend has a new house and hers is also outside but everyone else seems to think this is odd. Should I just buy a lock or ask to have it moved.
Answers:
I live in Southern CA and almost ALL panels are located outside. This is not at all unusual. The meter must be located outside so the Electrical utility company can read it. Many (if not most) electrical panels are combination meter/circuit breaker.
I am an Electrical Contractor and have installed many panels in this manner. Larger houses can require sub panels and these are generally located inside.
Yes you should. There has to be some type of danger with the breaker box being exposed to the elements and to tampering hands. have them re-locate it ASAP.
That has to be moved inside the house. There must be a building code to prevent something as silly as that. It is an absurdity and perhaps even negligent of the builder. Not safe, not cool and not acceptable.
If you are talking about the main, it is very normal. But if you are talking about the whole circuit panel, then it is out of the ordinary, but not illegal, nor unsafe IF it is a weather proof enclosure. A lock is probably a good idea, Just to keep people out. Not just for nuisances, but for safety. As far as moving it indoors, a good idea if possible. The question to ask yourself is what's on the other side or the wall it's now on. If it can't go there, it will get very costly to relocate, and you will still have a splice box where the box is now.
You just noticed this at the final walkthrough? Unless you've signed paperwork accepting the house, I would request that the service panel be relocated to an interior portion of the house or within the garage. Locks keep out honest people, a set of bolt cutters is the thief's key. Anyone could gain access to the main breaker, turn it off, and when you come out to see what the problem is..you get the picture. In addition, service panels aren't normally exposed to the weather, and there could be problems due to condensation etc. in the future.
Building codes call for a main shutoff breaker to be located outside the house. The entire panel shouldn't be, but I've seen it done.
It's goofy, but not unheard of. I wouldn't stand for it, myself.
It's O.K. If it concerns you, put a lock on it.
Get it moved ASAP! I dont know how that home got a C.O. with that kind of setup. That means anyone with a bolt cutter can not only cut your power, but tap into it. What a stupid install. That's like having your stove, refrigerator and kitchen table on your back porch for everyone to mess with. As for the last guy, Are you nuts??
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