Art. 210.52 (E) (3)

[Rick 0920]

Would someone please explain this to me like I'm a 3rd grader? Why was their a need to change this from the simple square footage requirement in years past?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I don't recall that requirement ever being based on area.

(3) Balconies, Decks, and Porches.
Balconies, decks, and porches that are within 102 mm (4 in.) horizontally of the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle outlet shall not be located more than 2.0 m (61⁄2 ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface.

 

[packersparky]

don't recall that requirement ever being based on area.

The 2008 NEC had an exception stating that the receptacle was not required if the area of the balcony, deck or porch was less than 20 square feet.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The 2008 NEC had an exception stating that the receptacle was not required if the area of the balcony, deck or porch was less than 20 square feet.

That exception only appeared in the 2008 code and was added as the panel response to comment 2-230 that wanted to completely eliminate 210.52(E)(3) that was added to the code in the 2008 based on proposal 2-229. The panel action on comment 2-230 was:

Add the following Exception to 210.52(E)(3), :
“Exception to (3): Balconies, decks, or porches with a usable area of less than 20 sq ft are not required to have a receptacle installed.”
Panel Statement: The panel continues to recognize the need for receptacles on most balconies, decks, or porches. However, the panel also understands it is not practical to install receptacles for all balconies, decks, or porches, especially those non-functioning spaces used for architectural or decorative purposes only.

It was removed in the 2011 code by panel action on proposal 2-266. The substantiation for the deletion of the exception by a 11-1 vote was:

Recommendation: Delete the Exception:
Exception to (3): Balconies, decks, or porches with a usable area of less than 1.86 m2 (20 ft2) are not required to have a receptacle installed.
Substantiation: If a porch, deck or balcony is accessible, the safety of having a receptacle installed should be provided. There should be no distinction between sizes of these areas. The code rule intent is to avoid cords from passing through doorways. There is no less chance that this would occur for small porches, decks or balconies. These smaller areas will have holiday lighting and small appliances used there. Please reference Mr. King’s Explanation of Negative in 2008 ROC 2-230.

So that exception only applied to the first edition of the code that contained the requirement in 210.52(E)(3).