110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

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aelectricalman

aelectricalman

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Im confused as to whether this is saying you can or can not use a switched plug as a source for Illumination for all working space about the service equipment. The ceilings all around the panel location is cluttered and the walls adjactent to the panels are used for furnaces. The only option is to put a lamp in the room. Funny huh. Thanks

[ February 21, 2005, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: aelectricalman ]
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

A switched receptacle works if it normally would have a lamp plugged into the receptacle. I interpret section 110.26(D) as a bedroom with service equipment in the wall. Just because it is in the bedroom doesn't mean that you have to have an overhead light for illumination, you are permitted to use the lamp as permitted in section 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1. :D
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Sorry Charlie but i must disagree.if this is a house 210.70a3 applies and exception #1 only applies 210.70a1.Only other choice is this is commercial and then it is 210.70c with no exceptions.To say plug in a lamp makes little since,if that was enough we would just say plug in a trouble lamp when we have a problem
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Jim, 110.26(D) refers you to the only exception for the switched receptacles and that is limited to dwelling units not commercial occupancies. :D
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Respectfully Charlie, 110.26 (D) refers straight to the exception not to the article. I read this as the intent of code panel one was to allow a switched receptacle as the lighting outlet.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

OK, I now see your point but I am not sure I agree with it. I wonder how it is being enforced?

It looks like the panel could have just used the wording from the exception if they wanted to do it that way. Since they left it where it was, I suspect they intended for it to be used in the context of a dwelling unit. With that said, keep in mind that the words in the Code have to stand on their own. :D
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

From the NEC Manual of Style:
2.6 Exceptions.
2.6.1 Placement and Order. Exceptions shall immediately follow the main rule to which they apply. Where exceptions are made to items within a numbered list, the exception shall clearly indicate the items within the list to which it applies. Exceptions containing the mandatory terms shall or shall not are to be listed first in the sequence. Permissive exceptions containing shall be permitted are to follow any mandatory exceptions and be listed in their order of importance as determined by the Code-Making Panel.
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Basically, the first sentence says an exception is to be interpreted in the context of its main rule. I agree with Charlie.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

It's kind of a breach of protocol then, isn't it?
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Originally posted by aelectricalman: I?m confused as to whether this is saying you can or can not use a switched plug as a source for Illumination for all working space about the service equipment.
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Here is how I read 110.26(D): First of all, you must provide illumination. If there is an adjacent light source, then you don?t have to add another. If there is no light source that illuminates the service equipment, then you have to add one. The one you add cannot be a switched receptacle with a floor lamp. That is because your situation is clearly not a dwelling unit. Therefore, I believe that the citation from 110.26(D) to Exception 1 of 210.70(A)(1) does not apply.

Even if the ceiling is cluttered, it might still have room for a pendant-mounted 2x4 fluorescent fixture, suspended below the clutter. That might be your best solution. Keep in mind the intent: someday an electrician will have to do work on that equipment. Your present-day job is to make that future-day job safe, by giving that future electrician enough light to see what he or she is doing.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

I read it as [210.70(A)(1) exception 1] as being acceptable for illumination of a service panel, it just can't automatic as in a motion or ambient sensor....

A table lamp next to the service panel plugged into a switched receptacle should meet this requirement.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Charlie B: Why is this not clearly a dwelling unit? A service panel in a basement of a house qualifies as a dwelling, even though no one lives in the basement. Otherwise I saw not mention of a commercial facility.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Originally posted by bob11746: Charlie B: Why is this not clearly a dwelling unit?
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Cluttered ceilings and all the walls covered with furnaces. I may be wrong, of course, but that does not sound residential to me.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Originally posted by bob11746: A table lamp next to the service panel plugged into a switched receptacle should meet this requirement.
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I beg to disagree. What 110.26(D) say is that (1) You must have illumination, (2) If you have an existing light nearby, then you don?t need to add another, and (3) If ?that exception? applies, which is to say that if you are in a house and if you are using a switched receptacle in lieu of a ceiling light in the manner that is permitted by ?that exception,? then you don?t have to add another light. I submit that for a non-residential facility, you don?t get to read ?that exception,? and therefore you don?t get to substitute a switched receptacle (and a floor lamp) for a permanent fixture.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

This is residential. Wow. I think im more confused than before. It seems as if we are agreeing to disagree. After further review I feel as if this is a no no and I should follow the advise of Charlie B. I would rather put in a switched plug and have a lamp, but if I can't I can't. Please continue to give opinions.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

OK, now that we know it is residential, I may have to reevaluate my opinions. But first, is the room "habitable," or is it a "storage or equipment space"?
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

I'm reading it as allowing a switched receptacle to be used.

I don't think that 110.26(D) precludes it to begin with. It says that illumination shall be provided, not how. The reference to 210.70(A)(1) Ex. additionally confirms it.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

It is 4' by 10' and is used only for 1 gas furnace along the right 10' wall, ductwork down the left wall, 2 electrical panels on the 4' back wall and central vac on the front of the left wall. The other 4" wall is the door wall. Ceilings are covered with duct and plumbing.
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

I would call that a ?storage or equipment space,? and not a ?habitable room.? 210.70(A)(1) Exception 1 will not permit you to replace a lighting outlet with a switched receptacle in that space. Therefore, I reaffirm my view: you are stuck with putting in a lighting outlet.

Originally posted by physis: . . . 110.26(D) . . . says that illumination shall be provided, not how. The reference to 210.70(A)(1) Ex. additionally confirms it.
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I beg to disagree. 110.26(D) mentions the exception as the second item in a list of two items, with an ?Or? between them. You don?t need to add a light ?if you have another light nearby? OR ?if the exception permits you to use a switched receptacle.? In this case, the exception does not allow you to use a switched receptacle, because it does not apply to a ?storage or equipment space.?
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

I intentionally didn't read many of the perspectives on it before reading it myself so I could offer an unadulterated opinion from my own perspective.

After reading your post Charlie, and looking at it more closely, I agree with you.

I'm now reading it as "in the abscence of existing lighting you'll need to install some".

I'm still not completely convinced that a switched receptace is precluded, but I do see it as more debatable than I did initially and this is why:

[Additional lighting outlets shall not be required where........]

implies the requirement is a lighting outlet(s).
 
Re: 110.26 (D)- Illumination about a work space

Charlie
Help me understand your reasoning about this light, please. The way I read this and I have spent some time reading this as well as this thread tonight.

(D) Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces about service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors.

This clearly states that all of the above shall be illuminated

Additional lighting outlets shall not be required where the work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source or as permitted by 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, for switched receptacles.

I see no mention of separation from commercial, industrial or residential. I do see the mention of, service equipment, switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors. Unless all of the above could be found in a dwelling unit then could this also apply to other than dwelling units?
 
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