zcanyonboltz
Senior Member
- Location
- denver
Homeowner wants a an outlet in the attic, there is no equipment up there. Is there a section about GFI in attics in dwelling units, all I'm seeing is crawl spaces and unfinished spaces.
I think that would depend on the owner's intended use of the outlet. If the plan is to use portable lights or hand tools, then they would want to be able to reset the GFCI without leaving the attic. If the plan is to install something that would live in the attic but not be operated from that location (e.g., security system head end equipment), then they would not want to have to enter the attic in order to reset the GFCI.I would recommend installing the GFCI in an accessible location in the living area.
125-volt, single-phase, 15- or
20-ampere-rated receptacle outlet shall be installed at an
accessible location for the servicing of heating, airconditioning,
and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle
shall be located on the same level and within 7.5 m (25 ft)
of the heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.
The receptacle outlet shall not be connected
Since the attic gfci is not required by 210.8 then I guess it does not need to be readily accessible. I am surprised that the NEC does not enforce readily accessible for all gfci's barring a few.
I only mentioned "accessible" because of convenience not to be code compliant.
LOL-- I wasn't responding to your post but rather just mentioning that it did not need to be readily accessible.I only mentioned "accessible" because of convenience not to be code compliant.
2-50 Log #2390 NEC-P02
(210-8(A)(9) (New) )
Final Action: Reject
Submitter: Terry L. Schneider, Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
Recommendation:
Add new item (9) Attic spaces.
Substantiation:
When the outlet is installed in attic spaces, it is usually for equipment, such as furnaces, with duct work and other grounded material.
These present a shock hazard, that along with the potential temperatures, can easily produce death. Two electricians in Colorado have
died when laying over duct work and coming in contact with a hot wire. The hazard makes it very difficult to get remove your body if
muscle lock occurs during the shock.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement:
The submitter should supply more specific information on the incidents cited so that the panel can better understand the issue. There is
no indication that the electrocutions occurred from the installed outlet, or from some other source.
Number Eligible to Vote: 13
Affirmative: 13
Homeowner wants a an outlet in the attic, there is no equipment up there. Is there a section about GFI in attics in dwelling units, all I'm seeing is crawl spaces and unfinished spaces.
I have gotten a red tag for the out let in the attic for heating and ac equipment not being a gfci. Then another cause we argued about the gfci he said it had to be W/R. 2004 . I think.There was a proposal a few cycles ago to require GFCI protection for attic receptacles but it was rejected. There is a local inspector who "wants" them installed in attics because in his eyes the A/C guy is working up there when it's hot and he's all sweaty.
I have gotten a red tag for the out let in the attic for heating and ac equipment not being a gfci.
or too lazy, too proud, or something to look it up and confirm what he thinks is wrong. Those areas that require a citation of code section that is violated have the right idea - it helps keep inspectors honest rather then shoot from hip with what they think is right - they actually have to look it up if they are going to cite it - or get shot down if what they cite doesn't support what they say is wrong. There may be cases where they cite things from memory, but someone will call them out should their memory be wrong.Simple fact is that it's not required to be GFCI protected. Any inspector saying that it is required is making up his own code unless there is a local amendment.
or too lazy, too proud, or something to look it up and confirm what he thinks is wrong. Those areas that require a citation of code section that is violated have the right idea - it helps keep inspectors honest rather then shoot from hip with what they think is right - they actually have to look it up if they are going to cite it - or get shot down if what they cite doesn't support what they say is wrong. There may be cases where they cite things from memory, but someone will call them out should their memory be wrong.
I have gotten a red tag for the out let in the attic for heating and ac equipment not being a gfci. Then another cause we argued about the gfci he said it had to be W/R. 2004 . I think.