Spacing between ATS and main panel.

[smokehouse]

Hello again! Slowly making my way through my 12kw Centurion project and am now at the point of installing the ATS switch inside the house. My main panel is mounted on a narrow wall which will leave about a 1.5" space between the main panel and the ATS and the same distance between the ATS and the adjoining wall. Are there any codes that dictate minimum spacing regarding these panels? Thanks again for taking the time to answer my posts guys, this forum is a Godsend!

[Enginerd]

Originally Posted by smokehouse

Hello again! Slowly making my way through my 12kw Centurion project and am now at the point of installing the ATS switch inside the house. My main panel is mounted on a narrow wall which will leave about a 1.5" space between the main panel and the ATS and the same distance between the ATS and the adjoining wall. Are there any codes that dictate minimum spacing regarding these panels? Thanks again for taking the time to answer my posts guys, this forum is a Godsend!

I did some similar research and could not find any limits on how close the panels could be. I found clearance/access requirements in front as well as restrictions on where the panel(s) can be located (not in a bathroom, etc.). There is also a requirement that any breakers be correctly oriented and there is a maximum height for breakers also. You don't state if you have a whole-house or dedicated circuit subpanel, I assume you have some breakers in there. Common sense would dictate that you don't want the panel too close to the floor as well but I can't remember if it was spelled out specifically because it was not an issue for me. That's all I can remember as far as code goes. If your clearance is tight around the panel you may want to think about pre-drilling some holes and capping them in case you want to feed extra wires through later on. Wish I had done that myself.

[genme]

If you have a hinged door on the panel, make sure there is enough clearance for it to operate. I don't know if there is a code requirement for this.

[smokehouse]

Thanks for your time guys! I too found codes for height and spacing in front, but nothing for in between. I'd venture to say it doesn't really matter as long as doors, etc. are free to swing. Thanks again for your replies!

[ceb58]

(2)

Width of Working Space. The width of the working
space in front of the electrical equipment shall be the width
of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater.
In all cases, the work space shall permit at least a 90 degree
opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.

As far as spacing between them there is none but it must be as code calls for. If you measure across the panel and ATS and come up with at least 30" you are good.

[smokehouse]

Thanks ceb58!