210-63 HVAC Receptacle

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Section 210-63 states that a 120V-1PH receptacle shall be located "on the same level and within 7.5m (25ft) of the HVAC equipment." I have a piece of equipment above a lay-in ceilng, lets say a fan powered box or a heat pump, am I required to provide a recpetacle above the ceiling or would a receptacle at the floor level suffice, or does the lay-in ceiling constitute a separate level?
 
infinity said:
Unless you can stand on the ceiling IMO it doesn't qualify as another level.

I would agree but who knows what an inspector will say. The purpose is for servicing. It seems like that should not be an issue but I would put one up there for convience.
 
Its just as easy to plug in the cord at the floor and then climb the ladder as it is to climb the ladder and then plug the cord in. So I have to agree with Trevor.
 
I agree with both Dennis and Trevor. It isn't required to be above the ceiling, but who knows what the inspector will say. Should be easy enough to put in.
 
210-63 HVAC Receptacle

steve66 said:
Its just as easy to plug in the cord at the floor and then climb the ladder as it is to climb the ladder and then plug the cord in. So I have to agree with Trevor.[/QUOTE

A receptacle at floor level requires the cord to be pulled by the ladder creating a trip hazard not only for the person servicing the equipment but also any person walking by it at floor level.Should the the cord be accidentally disconnected at the floor leaving the servicing person without power it could create another hazard. Is a cord extending from a receptacle at the floor to the attic above a temporary installation? If it is I would say that it would be a violation of article 590.

These are the things I think of when inspecting,even though many electricians think that I am being picky,I think that they are being picky for the purpose of not providing a receptacle that is safe and convenient.

Guess it is all about $$$$$$ JMO
 
stickboy1375 said:
I have to ask but, why?

Article 400.8(5) does not allow flexible cords above ceilings.

(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
Rick
 
romeo said:
steve66 said:
Its just as easy to plug in the cord at the floor and then climb the ladder as it is to climb the ladder and then plug the cord in. So I have to agree with Trevor.[/QUOTE

A receptacle at floor level requires the cord to be pulled by the ladder creating a trip hazard not only for the person servicing the equipment but also any person walking by it at floor level.Should the the cord be accidentally disconnected at the floor leaving the servicing person without power it could create another hazard. Is a cord extending from a receptacle at the floor to the attic above a temporary installation? If it is I would say that it would be a violation of article 590.

These are the things I think of when inspecting,even though many electricians think that I am being picky,I think that they are being picky for the purpose of not providing a receptacle that is safe and convenient.

Guess it is all about $$$$$$ JMO


Being picky and being in the code book are two different things. You can be picky about enforcing what's written, but being picky because of your own "what if" scenarios, is not what enforcing the NEC is all about.
 
210-63 HVAC Receptacle

infinity said:
romeo said:
Being picky and being in the code book are two different things. You can be picky about enforcing what's written, but being picky because of your own "what if" scenarios, is not what enforcing the NEC is all about.

It is not my what if scenarios ,It is code 210.63 The receptacle shall be located on the same level.
 
I think that an indoor unit in the ceiling is actually on the same level and as long as the receptacle is within 25', it meets the requirements of 210.63. I dont think a drop ceiling changes the level of the floor.
Rick
 
RUWired said:
Article 400.8(5) does not allow flexible cords above ceilings.

(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings
Rick

Does this rule apply to the cord on my drill that I use to service the unit?
 
ryan_618 said:
Does this rule apply to the cord on my drill that I use to service the unit?

Ryan, as long as you don't have the drill permanently wired above the ceiling, you can use it.
 
romeo said:
steve66 said:
Its just as easy to plug in the cord at the floor and then climb the ladder as it is to climb the ladder and then plug the cord in. So I have to agree with Trevor.[/QUOTE

A receptacle at floor level requires the cord to be pulled by the ladder creating a trip hazard not only for the person servicing the equipment but also any person walking by it at floor level.Should the the cord be accidentally disconnected at the floor leaving the servicing person without power it could create another hazard. Is a cord extending from a receptacle at the floor to the attic above a temporary installation? If it is I would say that it would be a violation of article 590.

These are the things I think of when inspecting,even though many electricians think that I am being picky,I think that they are being picky for the purpose of not providing a receptacle that is safe and convenient.

Guess it is all about $$$$$$ JMO

If you are going to get that picky, why not just ban extension cords altogether. Then ban plugs and SO cord because people might try to make their own. You could go on and on with "what-ifs".

I think "same level" clearly means the same story for indoor equipment, at grade for outside equipment on grade, and on the roof for equipment on the roof.

Using your logic that "same level" means just that, you should red tag installations where the receptacle is 6" above or below the equipment.

Just my 2 cents.
Steve
 
steve66 said:
I think "same level" clearly means the same story for indoor equipment, at grade for outside equipment on grade, and on the roof for equipment on the roof.


Steve

I agree with this.
 
jimport said:
So would you accept a receptacle that was on a deck that was one step above grade to satisfy this requirement?

If it can be reached while standing on the ground I would accept it and would appeal an inspector that turn it down as well as appealing the inspector that required one above a lay-in ceiling.
 
210-63 HVAC Recepticale

210-63 HVAC Recepticale

steve66 said:
romeo said:
If you are going to get that picky, why not just ban extension cords altogether. Then ban plugs and SO cord because people might try to make their own. You could go on and on with "what-ifs".

I think "same level" clearly means the same story for indoor equipment, at grade for outside equipment on grade, and on the roof for equipment on the roof.

Using your logic that "same level" means just that, you should red tag installations where the receptacle is 6" above or below the equipment.

Just my 2 cents.
Steve
-HVAC

Show me someone that doesn't make a mistake and i will show you someone that is not doing anything.

This time it is my mistake,I pictured the receptacle below an attic space. Now I realize that it is located below a suspended ceiling.

I agree that it is OK and i stand corrected.
 
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