Location of Electrical panel

In the new house I am going to move into, the electrical panel is in the same space as the studio is going to be. I didn't think too much about this at first, but now I am concerned. Obviously a double wall system is ideal for sound, but what if the electrical panel is going to be on one of the outer walls? Can I just make a large opening on the inner wall with a plug or door so that I still have access to it? The same question applies for the water shutoff valve, which is also located inside the same area. Here is the link to the thread that shows where everything is located: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6625 Notice in the bottom left and right corners, that is where they are located. Any solutions would be appreciated.

That panel is going to be a huge hole in your isolation. Huge. I think there may also be code requirements regarding its being "readily accessible," so if the panel is on the inside of the space in which you intend to build, you may have an even bigger problem. --Keith :mrgreen:

Yeah, the panel is on the inside. The only breach to the outside (that I remember) is a single pipe which contains the main power from outside, and that is sealed all the way around. In order to keep the panel accessable, I was thinking of making a door that would open to it, and that door would be part of the inner wall. At this point I may just have to build a closet there, which would reduce the space that I have, but would make it accessable, and would also give me a little storage space. Unfortunately, there is no possible way I can afford $2500+ just to move the electrical panel, so it is going to have to stay where it is. Does anyone know what the code is for clearance of an electrical panel in a closet?

I don't know exactly. All I saw when I did a cursory search on the 'Net was a paraphrased reference of it being "readily accessible" and there was prohibition of it being in a bedroom clothes closet due to the flammability of clothing. Also, it's not allowed to be in a bathroom. One option would be to frame a closet in that area and firmly attach it to the outer wall. It would essentially be an extension of your outer leaf, although there would be some "third leaf effect" of the outside wall outside the closet. You're at the point of needing to post a diagram of your space. We're starting to piss into the wind here. ;-) --Keith :mrgreen:

Keith, My initial post (which hasn't gotten any replies yet) is here: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6625 Below is the layout as it is currently:

Here is what I would like to do, although now I am thinking that I will not be able to extend into the laundry room, as that space will be taken up with the ventilation system.

I know you're not going to like this... :roll: ...But I saw an illustration a book that I bought that shows a "service corridor" concept along the edge of a wall -- basically, a two foot gap between the outer wall and the framing of the inner wall. The corridor gives access to such things as sump pumps, plumbing valves, electrical service panels, etc. In your case you could really benefit from one of those along your "bottom" (looking at the image) wall because it would increase the distance between your outer leaves where those two windows are, in addition to providing a pathway to the electrical service panel -- assuming such a plan would meet code (it might -- you'd have to check with your local building department on that issue to be sure). You would also have access to the windows, which is really good. Yet you might not be able to get away with it, codewise, on the basis of emergency egress... :roll: At any rate, the benefits would cost you pretty dearly -- two linear feet all along that wall. :roll: On the other hand, I didn't realize until now that this is a basement, so if that electrical service panel is below ground (and it appears that is the case), then maybe I'm overreacting to the whole thing. (Entirely possible). Yes, I missed your initial "New house, help with basement studio" thread... :oops: --Keith :mrgreen:

Keith, My plan is to remove the windows, and close them up with new siding on the outside (as it seems keeping them would be more trouble than it is worth) While it is a basement, the panel is not below ground. In fact, the side of the basement that will house the studio is mostly above ground, as the house is built on a hill. It is the upper right hand side of the house (in relation to the pictures) that is mostly underground. I think I am going to put this plan on the back burner until we are moved in and take care of all of the things my wife wants done. It is just stressing me out too much right now, considering we are not even moving in for another 2 weeks. Your answers have been very helpful, keith, and I am a lot further along in understanding this stuff than I was last week. Thank you very much for your help.

Best of luck to you in your move, Mark. I'm glad to help (and I hope I haven't scared you too much! ;-)). We'll see you after you get settled in then! Practice this phrase -- you're going to need it: "I'm never moving again! :evil: I'm never moving again! :evil: I'm never moving again! :evil:" ;-) --Keith :mrgreen:

I have no problems with the move, especially since I am working out of a 9X12 basement right now, and our current house is less than half the size of where we are moving. The part that is stressing me out is the studio construction part, since I have no experience with construction at all. I am mainly worried about how long it will take to do the whole thing, as the longer it takes, the longer it will take me to get back to where I am now with my audio business. It is not enough of a business to live off of, but it helps pay for some fun goodies from time to time (like a new Mesa Boogie amp 6 months ago - that has made more difference in my guitar recordings than anything else so far), and I am hoping to bring it to a point where I can work from home within the next 2-3 years :P I am going to do some more research, and when it comes time to continue working on this project, I should have a much better idea of what I am going to be doing.