The rest of the story:
10-15 clearly states if a stairway has a landing with appropriate working space then OC devices can be installed in that section of a continuous stair way path.
10-16 makes claim that the ?opinion of CMP-1 that overcurrent devices may be installed in a stairway and that persons maintaining overcurrent devices can ?create a flat and level workspace?. He then disagreed with The CMP-1 opinion and stated ?There is no practical reason to permit, or allude to a perceived permission to allow overcurrent protective devices to be installed in stairways.? Eluding to creating a flat surface is not acceptable.
Both documents seem to agree that no OC devices are allowed over stairways. 10-15 however includes sections of a stairway path that is not considered a step due to depth of the landing, it also states? where appropriate working space exists? which gives the landing dimensions in which are compliant to working space. Note that the 10-16 CMP-1 comments include the wording ?flat and level workspace?
10-15 Log #267 NEC-P10 Final Action: Accept in Principle (240.24(F))
Comment on Proposal No: 10-40
Recommendation: Text to remain as presented in the ROP.
Substantiation: The Panel action on this proposal should have been to Accept. I am in agreement with the negative comment presented by Mr. Dollard. In addition, the panel statement ?refer to CMP 1 for comment and switches are permitted over steps?, was unresponsive to the submitter. Switches are not electrical equipment and do not come under the rules of 110.26. 110.26 does a good job of outlining clearances required for electrical equipment except it does not address a panelboard on a stairway, i.e., there is no provision in 110.26 for a level work area. This is one of those common sense things. We all know it?s wrong. Let?s say it.
Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Revise the recommended text in Proposal 10-40 to read as follows:
?240.24(F) Not located over Steps. Overcurrent devices shall not be located over steps of a stairway.?
Panel Statement: The panel accepts the concept that overcurrent devices should not be installed over the riser sections of stairways. However, many stairways have horizontal landings that could prove suitable for installations where appropriate working space exists. The prohibition of installations over steps of a stairway satisfies the intent of Proposal 10-40 and Comment 10-15.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12
10-16 Log #1099 NEC-P10 Final Action: Accept in Principle (240.24(F))
Comment on Proposal No: 10-40
Recommendation: This proposal should be Accepted.
Substantiation: The submitter has identified a serious problem. The negative comments as written to this proposal should be further considered by CMP-10. It is important to note that CMP-1 has rejected proposal 1-115 to 110.26(A)(3). This proposal suggested adding the following text: ?Stairs or stair treads shall not be permitted as the grade, floor, or platform as referred to in this section.? This proposal was rejected 11 to 1. The panel statement read as follows:
?The proposed requirement is restrictive and unnecessary. Qualified persons routinely work from various surface areas and conditions that may be within the workspace. If necessary, the qualified person working on the equipment can create a flat and level workspace. Generally, the height measurement would be from the lowest grade, floor, or platform surface. CMP-1 concludes that the proposal does not contain a clear statement of the problem or substantiation for the change. See the Regulations Governing Committee Projects, sections 4.3.3(b) and (d). ?
It is the opinion of CMP-1 that overcurrent devices may be installed in a stairway and that persons maintaining overcurrent devices can ?create a flat and level workspace.? I disagree.There is no practical reason to permit, or allude to a perceived permission to allow overcurrent protective devices to be installed in stairways.
Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Panel Statement: See the panel action and statement on Comment 10-15.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12