Distance from distribution box to edge of board

Maintain a minimum clearance of 600 mm from the edge of an open DB door or 1000 mm from a lift-off panel/door for safe access.

Clearance Requirements

Front Clearance: For safe operation and maintenance, there should be at least 600 mm (0. 6 m) of unobstructed space in front of a domestic distribution board when the door is open, and 1 meter (1000 mm) for panels with lift-off doors or larger commercial boards. This ensures that the panel can be fully accessed for testing, repairs, or emergency shutdowns.

Side Clearance: Side-to-side working space should be at least the width of the equipment itself, with a recommended minimum of 30 inches (≈760 mm) in commercial installations. This allows safe movement around the board and prevents obstruction during maintenance. Height Clearance: The vertical clearance in front of the board should be at least 2.

2 meters (≈7 ft 3 in) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater, to allow safe standing and operation. Emergency Access: For larger switchboards (e.g., over 800 A per phase or more than 3 meters long), multiple exit paths or a clear space of 3 meters in front is recommended to ensure safe evacuation in case of faults. Domestic vs Commercial: Domestic setups can have slightly reduced clearances (0.

6 m front clearance), while commercial or high-capacity boards require larger working spaces and may need additional side and front clearances to comply with safety codes.

Practical Tips

Ensure the DB is not blocked by walls, cupboards, or other fixtures. Doors should open fully without obstruction. Maintain clear access for emergency personnel and routine maintenance.

Follow local electrical codes (AS/NZS 3000 in Australia, NEC in the US) for specific requirements. By adhering to these clearance guidelines, you ensure safe operation, maintenance, and emergency access for distribution boards in both domestic and commercial settings.