---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 143.560"
title: "46"
number: "143.560"
heading: "Electrical distribution panels and switchboards."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/143.560"
---

# §143.560. Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.

- (a) Each distribution panel or switchboard on a towing vessel must be:
  - (1) In a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water; and
  - (2) **Totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.**
- (b) Each switchboard accessible from the rear must be constructed to prevent a person's accidental contact with energized parts.
- (c) Nonconductive mats or grating must be provided on the deck in front of each switchboard and, if it is accessible from the rear, on the deck behind the switchboard.
- (d) Each un-insulated current-carrying part must be mounted on noncombustible, nonabsorbent, and high-dielectric insulating material.
- (e) Equipment mounted on a door of an enclosure must be constructed or shielded so that a person will not come into accidental contact with energized parts.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.