NEC® Changes · 2020 NEC®

408.43 Panelboard orientation

NewChanged in the 2020 NEC® (from the 2017 NEC®)· Updated October 24, 2026

What changed in 408.43

Panelboards can't be installed facing up.

Point by point

  • New section: a panelboard can't be mounted with its front facing up.

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  • One more point on exactly what changed
  • The 2017 rule next to the 2020 rule, side by side
  • Why it changed
  • What to do and check on the job

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This section across NEC® editions

2020 NEC®NewYou're here

Panelboards can't be installed facing up.

2023 NEC®Revised

Panelboards can no longer be installed facing down.

Open the 2023 page →
2026 NEC®No change

This section did not change from 2023 to 2026.

More 2020 changes in Article 408

This is a plain-English summary, not the NEC®'s exact wording. Always check the full section in the NEC® edition your area has adopted, plus any local amendments.

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