Electrical Room & Panel Clearances
Electrical rooms need statutory working space around switchgear that is frequently squeezed in planning. Reserve it early. The figures below are typical for LV (low-voltage) switchgear; HV/substation clearances are larger.
- CEA Safety Regulations · CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023
- IS 732 · Code of Practice for Electrical Wiring Installations
| Location | Typical clear working space | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front of LV panel (operating side) | ≥ 1.0 m (commonly 1.0–1.2 m) | Statutory working space per CEA |
| Rear (for rear-access panels) | ≥ 0.75–1.0 m | Only if rear access is required |
| Side / between panel and wall | ≥ 0.6–1.0 m | For access and ventilation |
| Clear headroom in electrical room | ≥ 2.4–3.0 m | Above panels / cable routing |
At schematic stage, give every electrical/LT room a clear ~1 m operating space in front of panels (more for larger or HV switchgear), keep a ventilated, dedicated room, and avoid water/drainage routes passing through it.
Verify — Working clearances are statutory and depend on voltage class and switchgear type — confirm the exact figures against the CEA (Safety) Regulations current edition, IS 732 and the equipment manufacturer; HV/substation clearances are larger.
Want this coordinated against your structure?
Send us your schematic and we'll mark up a coordinated services section — so your ceiling height and shafts survive detailed design. The other clearance guides, checklists and specification libraries are on the architects' hub.