Attic access wiring

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360Youth

360Youth

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Location
Newport, NC
I am just curious how some interpret this install. This is on a house we are doing and I ended up locating the switch for attic lights (and service receptacle) here for convenience.

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Does this violate the requirements for clearance around openings? I typically put a switch at the base of access stairs so HO does not have to fumble for a switch at the top, but this particualr set up did not allow for that nor were there any rafters nearby. I stapled any wiring out of grasp as much as possible.

Edit to add: I have to admit I keep leaving my codebook at the shop and haven't looked up the references to see if it even a real issue.
 
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IMO it may or may not violate the clearence rule. Depending on how the wire is ran,
But the switch box will be stepped on. And break the cover, if it had a cover.:wink:
 
buckofdurham said:
IMO it may or may not violate the clearence rule. Depending on how the wire is ran,
But the switch box will be stepped on. And break the cover, if it had a cover.:wink:
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The walkway is on the righthand side of the ladder, so I am not too worried about it getting damaged. The wire is run along the framing of the opening about 8-10" below. This house has very deep rafters so lots of room to hide wires.

I meant to add a not to ignore the lack of a cover. :rolleyes: :smile: We are not at that stage yet.
 
It seems like a perfectly good location. I don't see why you would need the switch to be down below because you will obviously have enough light before the ladder is even pulled down, this would give you enough light to get to the switch for the attic light. You won't need the attic light on until you are in the attic.
As far as it getting stepped on it looks like it is behind the ladder and one would not be stepping around the ladder to step on the box, if you are worried about that you could put a board over the box to prevent it from getting stepped on. You should know better then to post a picture of your own work without even putting the cover plate on first.:D<jk>
 
No offense dude, but I personally dont like it. I would have either put it downstairs, in a closet near by, or better yet I would have installed a 2x4 to the roof rafters or a collar tie and installed my box on that. Or at the least build something simple to protect the box.
IMO If you have to ask your self "is there a possibility someone will step, kick or trip on it" then it should be somewhere else. But If there is no violation then who cares i guess.
oh i didnt read the whole post sorry.
But I still would have done something else
 
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I agree no violation but I would have added a 2x4 also. There was a thread a while back that talked about a switch in the floor of the attic. It appears there was no violation on that either however I cannot imagine doing such an install. :D
 
Probably pointless to revisit this post but I was doing some more attic work today and snapped a quick pic (thus, the blur :roll:) to illustrate where the switch box is in relation to the presumed flow of traffic. As I said, I prefer to place the switch at the base of the stairs, but house design did not allow in this instance. Thanks for all the input. (Even though you probably still don't like the location. :wink::D )

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Let's try this:

334.23 In Accessible Attics.
The installation of cable in accessible attics or roof spaces shall also comply with 320.23.
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320.23 In Accessible Attics.
Type AC cables in accessible attics or roof spaces shall be installed as specified in 320.23(A) and (B).
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are accessible, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
Click to expand...
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
It is difficult to tell from the picture, but it would seem to me the wiring method is installed in the floor/ceiling joists and would not need any additional protection.
Click to expand...

My wire is run along the the lower portion of the of the platform near the sheetrock. (If you are looking at the picture, from the switch box towards left center of pic). Someone would have to reach over the double stacked 2x6 almost 10" to get to any wire. (Not less than 1 1/4" from the sheetrock, thought, for some of you code vultures. :D)

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