Receptacle in staircase riser
- Thread starter CIECO
- Start date
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John120/240
Senior Member
- Location
- Olathe, Kansas
stair recptacle
stair recptacle
Can't think of any reason not to, I have installed floor recptacle at the top of stairs or on landing next to the spindles. Did install tread lights on riser once, it worked OK.
stair recptacle
Can't think of any reason not to, I have installed floor recptacle at the top of stairs or on landing next to the spindles. Did install tread lights on riser once, it worked OK.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
I can find no restriction for an outlet there.
Closest thing may be 400.8(3). Cords.
Not sure if the building code addresses this.
Closest thing may be 400.8(3). Cords.
Not sure if the building code addresses this.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Because he want's it in the stair riser.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Or there is no wall next to the handrail. I would keep it to one side to avoid being kicked. Not a good location, IMO.
And I want a million dollars, too. But sometimes we can't get what we want.
While its not specifically addressed in the NEC, this is a case where common sense should be brought to bear.
"Be careful what you ask for...... you just might get it".
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
The building inspector might use this. Note 'clear width'.
"311.5.1 Width.
Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Handrails shall not project more than 4.5 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31.5 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698 mm) where handrails are provided on both sides."
So he might have room at the side of the step. 31.5" minimum.
"311.5.1 Width.
Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Handrails shall not project more than 4.5 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31.5 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698 mm) where handrails are provided on both sides."
So he might have room at the side of the step. 31.5" minimum.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Assuming a flush mounted device it seems the BI is out of luck.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
You are probably correct. But you know that the BI is going to try to fail it. I am talking about treads not risers.
I do not like it but just because I do not like it is no reason to fail it.
renosteinke
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Arkansas
I think it's a matter of right church, wrong pew ... that is, right idea, but wrong code.
What are you worried about? A trip hazard? Obstructing the stairs? I suspect the code that addresses those issues would be the UBC or IRC.
Well, that's no problem ... we'll just staple the cords to the stairs as well. OK, there's the NEC issue.
What are you worried about? A trip hazard? Obstructing the stairs? I suspect the code that addresses those issues would be the UBC or IRC.
Well, that's no problem ... we'll just staple the cords to the stairs as well. OK, there's the NEC issue.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Can you tell us how he is using this?
If they are dead set in having these lights they will run an extension cord if there is no receptacle.
I see no reason not to install the receptacle except for having to cut into the oak riser as the OP mentions, kind of a shame to have this receptacle there for asthetic reasons.
Roger
I see no reason not to install the receptacle except for having to cut into the oak riser as the OP mentions, kind of a shame to have this receptacle there for asthetic reasons.
Roger
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
Forget about the code for a minute. As an EC I would NOT install this.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
From: http://sillites.com/faq.php
"13. Can a 15 amp rated receptacle, like the SCR be used on a 20 amp circuit?
Yes ? The NEC allows 15 amp rated receptacles to be connected to a 20 amp circuit, so long as there are at least two 15 amp rated receptacles connected to the circuit; e.g. one on each side of a kitchen island."
What code section is that?
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I think they are saying if it is a single recep. installed on a 20 amp cir. then it would have to be a 20 amp recep. 210.21(B)(1). However if you use 2- single recep. then the recep. can be 15 amp. Remember the sillite recep. are single recep.
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