I've got a friend who wants to install a subpanel in a laundry room. It's been a while since I looked at an NEC so I was wondering what are today's clearance restrictions between a panel/subpanel and a water source such as a sink/tub/washing machine. I seem to remember a 6' clearance being mandatory, but that was a while ago.


Peace

There is no rule in the NEC about proximity to a sink or washer. You do need to have a clear space 30" wide and 36" deep for the panel to reside in. It does not have to be centered in that 30" space.

Then it must be an old rule or a local one because I could almost swear there was such a rule some time back. (I haven't roped houses in 10 years.)


Peace

There IS a code rule prohibiting panels/subpanels inside a bathroom. That may be what you are remembering.

Your local inspector will decide whether a laundry room is similar enough for that rule to apply. Some inspectors can be quite stringent, even arbitrary.

I contacted my local code enforcement office and like you said, no panels in the bathroom but beyond that, only working clearances apply.


Peace