Can you put a washer and dryer in front of the fuse box?

Question

I am going to remodel my basement and I need to know if it is ok to put my washer and dryer in front of the fuse box?

Answer 1

Yes, Heres what I did..I got a huge cabinet from Homedepot and cut the back out so you could easily access the fuse box while covering it up from any water damage. You prob have better chances getting hit by lighting than your washer springing a leak that flows up in the air and back. Its not a code violation at all.

Answer 2

Not a good idea for two reasons:

1. If the washer drain or supply springs a leak, that would be bad.
2. Circuit breakers or fuses trip or blow based on load, and excessive heat means less load (you may constantly trip circuits or blow fuses depending upon how close your dryer's exhaust is).

Having said that, I put mine right under the fuse box in our first house, no problem. I made a "utility closet" to hid all the things I didn't want people to see, and the fuse box was a good 24 inches above the units.

I have done the same thing in the home I am in now, except instead of a washer and dryer, I have a network switch, cable modem, freezer, fridge and other things in there. All are at least 18 inches below the breaker panel, with easy access to the breakers.

So, if you really mena RIGHT in front, then no. If you mean in front of and below, you are good to go.

Answer 3

Heres one for you, it looked absolutely beautiful and you coudn't even tell there was a washer/dryer in the kitchen. Have the contractor or your Mr. Fix it :) Build a cabinet around the washer/dryer to look the a hutch and buffet. With the selves up top and the cabinet on the bottom. You just slide the washer/dryer in and out for servicing. Doors on the bottom will hide the washer/dryer and the top can have glass shelves and or doors (whatever you like) for nick nacks, dishes or whatever. If you have enough space they can also incorporate a deep drawer to hold soap, bleach etc.

Answer 4

I would rethink the dryer...even though it may have a vent it still creates a lot of lent build up in ours. Just keep in mind that is near the fuse box. Also if the vent gets block and the dryer catches fire from the back up.
Plus you don't want that blocked during a power outage. But other than that theres nothing wrong with it.

Answer 5

NO

It is an electrical code violation to have anything in front of a fuse/braker box.

Not to mention how incredibly unsafe iot would be if the washer ever sprung a serious leak.

Answer 6

It would be absolutely stupid to put them in front of the fuse box.
some one said that it isnt a code violation to do so.
There is no law to say you cant do it,other than the meter,but it is in breach of the electrical codes of practice to restrict access to any meter or fusable device associated with it....not to mention in the event of an emergency for the need to shut off the circuit breakers in a hurry.

Answer 7

Yes but if you need to change fuses you will have to move a washer and dryer first!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 8

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Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Answer 9

You can put them anywhere you want.. of course if you have to ever change fuses you will have to move at least one of them...good luck

Answer 10

That's not a problem as long as you don't block access to the box.