# 46 C.F.R. § 143.560 (2026): Electrical distribution panels and switchboards

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_560

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 C.F.R. § 143.560 (2026)
- **Heading:** Electrical distribution panels and switchboards
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 46 CFR: Shipping / Chapter I: COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Part 143: MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT / Subpart C: Requirements for New Towing Vessels / § 143.560: § 143.560   Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [46 C.F.R. § 143.500 (2026) § 143.500   Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_500.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.510 (2026) § 143.510   Verification of compliance with design standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_510.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.515 (2026) § 143.515   Towing vessels built to recognized classification society rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_515.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.520 (2026) § 143.520   Towing vessels built to American Boat and Yacht Council standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_520.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.540 (2026) § 143.540   Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systems.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_540.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.545 (2026) § 143.545   Pressure vessels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_545.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.550 (2026) § 143.550   Steering systems.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_550.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.555 (2026) § 143.555   Electrical power sources, generators, and motors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_555.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.560 (2026) § 143.560   Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_560.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.565 (2026) § 143.565   Electrical overcurrent protection other than generators and motors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_565.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.570 (2026) § 143.570   Electrical grounding and ground detection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_570.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.575 (2026) § 143.575   Electrical conductors, connections, and equipment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_575.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.580 (2026) § 143.580   Alternative electrical installations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_580.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.585 (2026) § 143.585   General requirements for propulsion, steering, and related controls on vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_585.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_560. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.