46 CFR 143.560: Electrical distribution panels and switchboards
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets rules for distribution panels and switchboards on towing vessels. They must be in a suitable location and be totally enclosed and dead-front. The section also requires protection against accidental contact with energized parts.
Applies toEach distribution panel or switchboard on a towing vessel.
What it says
Each distribution panel or switchboard on a towing vessel must be in a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water.
46 CFR 143.560(a)(1)“In a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water”
Each distribution panel or switchboard on a towing vessel must be totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.
46 CFR 143.560(a)(2)“Totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.”
Each switchboard that is accessible from the rear must be constructed to prevent a person's accidental contact with energized parts.
46 CFR 143.560(b)“Each switchboard accessible from the rear must be constructed to prevent a person's accidental contact with energized parts.”
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 it.
46 CFR 143.560(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.”
Each un-insulated current-carrying part must be mounted on noncombustible, nonabsorbent, and high-dielectric insulating material.
46 CFR 143.560(d)“Each un-insulated current-carrying part must be mounted on noncombustible, nonabsorbent, and high-dielectric insulating material.”
Equipment mounted on an enclosure door must be constructed or shielded so that a person will not accidentally contact energized parts.
46 CFR 143.560(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.”
Common questions
Where must a switchboard on a towing vessel be located?
It must be in a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water.
“In a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water”
Are mats required in front of towing vessel switchboards?
Yes. Nonconductive mats or grating must be provided on the deck in front of each switchboard, and also behind it if it is accessible from the rear.
“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.”
What type of enclosure must a towing vessel distribution panel have?
Each distribution panel or switchboard must be totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.
“Totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.”
The text of 46 CFR 143.560
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
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.
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.