Where should panel boards or service equipment NOT be located?

Panel boards or service equipment should not be located in bathrooms primarily due to safety concerns related to moisture and potential exposure to water. Bathrooms are high-moisture areas, which increases the risk of electrical hazards, including shock and short circuits. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines and regulations that emphasize reducing risks associated with placing electrical components in damp or wet environments.

While options such as living rooms, kitchens, and over stairways may also have restrictions based on space and accessibility, they do not carry the same level of inherent risk associated with moisture as bathrooms do. Therefore, the placement of electrical panels and service equipment in bathrooms poses a unique danger that is generally avoided to ensure both safety and compliance with electrical codes.