I recently purchased a new construction home and want to install an attic light and receptacle. I called my father a Master Electrician of 30+ years, he said it is NEC code that 'if there is access to the attic, a light and receptacle are required.' I called my towns inspector and he said that it's only required to have a light if there is heating hardware in the attic. Any input on who is correct? If it is code, I would prefer to hold the builder liable for installation. If not, I'll have my Dad install it and move on. Thanks in advance for your help.
Code for Attic Lighting
- Thread starter Ages
- Start date
- Status
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
the answer may be that in your jurisdiction it may not be required unless there is equipment there.
i think you will find it much less of a pita to just have your dad install what you want. going back after the builder is rarely a satisfying experience, and generally not very successful.
the answer may be that in your jurisdiction it may not be required unless there is equipment there.
i think you will find it much less of a pita to just have your dad install what you want. going back after the builder is rarely a satisfying experience, and generally not very successful.
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
if you wanted to be a pita, find out from your local building dept. what their code adoption is for the NEC, or IRC in some areas, and if there are local amendments, and if there is anon-amended practice of not requiring them. then you could find out who you wanted to be a pita with.
most areas would rquire a permit for any electrical work. fishing wires is always a pain. otherwise peter is right.
if you wanted to be a pita, find out from your local building dept. what their code adoption is for the NEC, or IRC in some areas, and if there are local amendments, and if there is anon-amended practice of not requiring them. then you could find out who you wanted to be a pita with.
most areas would rquire a permit for any electrical work. fishing wires is always a pain. otherwise peter is right.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
If it's storage the light is required.Add equipment and outlet is required.Now the tricky part,most trusses are not rated for storage.Have your dad add it.We are talking about less than 1 hour and $10.Be best to have him inspect rest of wiring before warranty runs out.Buy some steaks and invite him to dinner.When he asks what can he bring tell him a light and receptacle.
If it's storage the light is required.Add equipment and outlet is required.Now the tricky part,most trusses are not rated for storage.Have your dad add it.We are talking about less than 1 hour and $10.Be best to have him inspect rest of wiring before warranty runs out.Buy some steaks and invite him to dinner.When he asks what can he bring tell him a light and receptacle.
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
There is nothing in the code that requires a light or receptical in "Attic" spaces.
Now it is a requirement by the mechanical inspector in our area for include them if A/C equipment is there.
But then again you can look in the code that requires a service outlet within 25ft of equipment.
Again, the code runs you around in circles.. Spend the 50 bucks and put it in anyway, most inspectors look for it.
There is nothing in the code that requires a light or receptical in "Attic" spaces.
Now it is a requirement by the mechanical inspector in our area for include them if A/C equipment is there.
But then again you can look in the code that requires a service outlet within 25ft of equipment.
Again, the code runs you around in circles.. Spend the 50 bucks and put it in anyway, most inspectors look for it.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
The receptacle is 210.63.
[ June 07, 2005, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
Well, except for...
John, this requires the lighting outlet near the equipment, for sure.
The receptacle is 210.63.
[ June 07, 2005, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
George is always so literal when reading the code. How do we even know what they mean by attic? In my view, if you have access to the attic, you can store stuff there and are required to have a lightng outlet.
George is always so literal when reading the code. How do we even know what they mean by attic?
In my view, if you have access to the attic, you can store stuff there and are required to have a lightng outlet.Re: Code for Attic Lighting
Great input, thanks guys! I consider the attic space a storage area since I decked it and you can stand up all throughout the area over the living room and garage (where the access is). I will propose to our inspector the reference to 210.70(A)(3) and 210.63 (he told me to let him know if I found something to refute his claim that it wasn't required.) I won't press too hard as this is as you mentioned a $50 fix. Worse comes to worse I'll call my Dad and buy some steaks! I like grilling anyway and it's been too long since I've seen my Dad. Thanks again guys.
Great input, thanks guys! I consider the attic space a storage area since I decked it and you can stand up all throughout the area over the living room and garage (where the access is). I will propose to our inspector the reference to 210.70(A)(3) and 210.63 (he told me to let him know if I found something to refute his claim that it wasn't required.) I won't press too hard as this is as you mentioned a $50 fix. Worse comes to worse I'll call my Dad and buy some steaks! I like grilling anyway and it's been too long since I've seen my Dad. Thanks again guys.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
Hmm...
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
George stop! It's still just an attic.
[ June 10, 2005, 06:14 AM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
George stop! It's still just an attic.
[ June 10, 2005, 06:14 AM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
Scott: huh?
No biggie, I just hate crawling into an attic to install a pull chain that somebody's just going to leave on and cause a fire...
The light's never where you're working anyway.
Scott: huh?
No biggie, I just hate crawling into an attic to install a pull chain that somebody's just going to leave on and cause a fire...
The light's never where you're working anyway.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
Re: Code for Attic Lighting
I thought you were going somewhere with that. Something like now that the floor is decked maybe it's becoming living space. Just thought you were starting trouble.
I thought you were going somewhere with that. Something like now that the floor is decked maybe it's becoming living space. Just thought you were starting trouble.
- Status