Attic Lighting

[Lannyw2]

If an Attic Space ( non storage ) attic has an acess panel in ceiling below would the code have required a light in the attic close to the access in a home constructed in 2003

 

[JohnJ0906]

If an Attic Space ( non storage ) attic has an acess panel in ceiling below would the code have required a light in the attic close to the access in a home constructed in 2003

The NEC wouldn't require it (210.70(A)(3))

We usually install one anyway, but if it is not suitable for storage, and no equipment, a light is not required.

 

[dlhoule]

?

?

Not disagreeing with anyone, but in my experience, when there is access it will be used for storage.

 

[GilbeSpark]

If there's equiptment up there you put a light up there. Depending on the size of the attic it might be something that nobody will ever use. If it's spacious and you can use it for storage, be a nice guy and stick a light up there :smile:

 

[JohnJ0906]

Not disagreeing with anyone, but in my experience, when there is access it will be used for storage.

"Not suitable for storage" does not mean it won't be used....

*Ahem*, I might be guilty of this myself.... :roll:

 

[mdshunk]

I put one up there, regardless. The next guy up there doing work will probably be me.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I like putting the light in the attic on a separate circuit or a circuit with minimal use. This helps later if someone needs power for other things. Sometimes it is hard to get to a power source.

 

[mdshunk]

I like putting the light in the attic on a separate circuit or a circuit with minimal use. This helps later if someone needs power for other things. Sometimes it is hard to get to a power source.

Along that general theme, when I use a wall switch downstairs from the scuttle hole to switch the attic light, I run a 3-wire up to the light so that I have a future use constant hot up there. Things like roof fans and such get added all the time.
I like to wire basement lights with 3-wire too, so that there's a hot in every light box.

 

[iwire]

My own attic which is not intended or used for storage has two four lamp 8' T-8 florescent fixtures, working up there is a pain enough I don't want dim lighting as well.

 

[peter d]

My own attic which is not intended or used for storage has two four lamp 8' T-8 florescent fixtures, working up there is a pain enough I don't want dim lighting as well.

And I thought I had bad eyesight.....

 

[iwire]

And I thought I had bad eyesight.....

Well....I had the fixtures on my basement shelfs taking up space, they might as well be hanging in the attic. :smile:

 

[peter d]

Well....I had the fixtures on my basement shelfs taking up space, they might as well be hanging in the attic. :smile:

True. But if I had to go out and buy them, I probably wouldn't "waste" them in an attic. Good ole pullchain and 150 watt bulb would have to do.

 

[JohnJ0906]

Along that general theme, when I use a wall switch downstairs from the scuttle hole to switch the attic light, I run a 3-wire up to the light so that I have a future use constant hot up there. Things like roof fans and such get added all the time.
I like to wire basement lights with 3-wire too, so that there's a hot in every light box.

I do both these the same way.

 

[wireguru]

i put keyless lampholders with CFL lamps in them, one every 10' or so across the ridgeline. hardly cost anything

 

[mdshunk]

i put keyless lampholders with CFL lamps in them, one every 10' or so across the ridgeline. hardly cost anything

CFL's? You must wire high-class attics.

Other than for my own home, I can scarcely remember buying a CFL.