You need to have the recep. on the same level as the equipment and within 25' -- art. 210.63. Art. 210.70(C) would req. lighting but don't think it's necessary for suspended ceiling.
What if it's a one story building, ten foot ceilings, but dropped ceiling to 8 foot? Is that the same level in your opinion Dennis?
I've met inspectors that required seperate receptacles above the ceiling, and others inspectors would simply let you make one below the ceiling a GFI and call it the service receptacle.
If you're trying to define "level" as "story" or "floor", what difference does it make if it is a one story building? Using that definition you could argue the same point if you were on the 10th floor, claiming that the equipment and the receptacle are on the same "level" and use a below ceiling GFI as service recept as you described. IMO ceiling space is a seperate level and does require a service receptacle.
What if it's a one story building, ten foot ceilings, but dropped ceiling to 8 foot? Is that the same level in your opinion Dennis?
I've met inspectors that required seperate receptacles above the ceiling, and others inspectors would simply let you make one below the ceiling a GFI and call it the service receptacle.
IMO ceiling space is a seperate level and does require a service receptacle.
What if it's a one story building, ten foot ceilings, but dropped ceiling to 8 foot? Is that the same level in your opinion Dennis?
I've met inspectors that required seperate receptacles above the ceiling, and others inspectors would simply let you make one below the ceiling a GFI and call it the service receptacle.
The problem is with the term level. The code does not define this but I was thinking the intent was to not have cords running thru the same area as the access being used.
If this were a 10' ceiling as you stated and the ceiling was dropped and not an accoustical ceiling but sheetrock with an access door, then I would say you need a light and a receptacle up above. Why? Because it feels like an attic and for all intents and purposes it is.
If the code meant floor level then they sould say on the same floor. Unfortunately it is not an easy interpretation. I would install a recep. in the ceiling and also a light but it is clear to me that a re-write of this is necessary.
So, what's the minimum threshold for height difference before an existing receptacle no longer suffices?I agree. If I am on a ladder, I do not think I am on the same level as the floor on which it sets.
The problem is with the term level. The code does not define this but I was thinking the intent was to not have cords running thru the same area as the access being used.
If this were a 10' ceiling as you stated and the ceiling was dropped and not an accoustical ceiling but sheetrock with an access door, then I would say you need a light and a receptacle up above. Why? Because it feels like an attic and for all intents and purposes it is.
If the code meant floor level then they sould say on the same floor. Unfortunately it is not an easy interpretation. I would install a recep. in the ceiling and also a light but it is clear to me that a re-write of this is necessary.
I think the term "level" was basically meant to mean any level a person could walk or stand on.
Every attic that I've ever had an airhandler in, I always have installed a GFI for service receptacle, now maybe I should rethink that
Framed and drywalled, yes, that needs a receptacle and light. Drop ceiling, no receptacle, no light.
As for GFI, I really thought that was a requirement, but now I can't find it in writing.