Disconnect Location under stairs
- Thread starter lsheets
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Re: Disconnect Location under stairs
I have and he is unsure but says he has done it before. I read in the 1990 code that an outlet is not allowed under a stairway or platform but can't for the life of me find it now.
To be more specific this is a church building. We have planned to place the disconnects under a stairway leading up to a mezzanine. We have 3 1/2 ft infront of the 3 each (200 amp) disconnects/breaker panels. Assuming all clearance, insualtion, grounding, access and other details are per NEC is it allowable to mounnt these under a stairway?
--Ladd
[ January 28, 2005, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: lsheets ]
I have and he is unsure but says he has done it before. I read in the 1990 code that an outlet is not allowed under a stairway or platform but can't for the life of me find it now.
To be more specific this is a church building. We have planned to place the disconnects under a stairway leading up to a mezzanine. We have 3 1/2 ft infront of the 3 each (200 amp) disconnects/breaker panels. Assuming all clearance, insualtion, grounding, access and other details are per NEC is it allowable to mounnt these under a stairway?
--Ladd
[ January 28, 2005, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: lsheets ]
Re: Disconnect Location under stairs
Ladd Sir,In all due respect,your profile says "owner"..And I personally don't know any one person that owns a church "outright".In complying to the rules of the form,"top left as you came in",I think it would be a good faith effort on your part, to be addressed by "moderator",If he(they)so choose.
[ January 28, 2005, 02:41 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]
Ladd Sir,In all due respect,your profile says "owner"..And I personally don't know any one person that owns a church "outright".In complying to the rules of the form,"top left as you came in",I think it would be a good faith effort on your part, to be addressed by "moderator",If he(they)so choose.
[ January 28, 2005, 02:41 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]
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- Bremerton, Washington
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- Master Electrician
Re: Disconnect Location under stairs
The rules for working space are in 110.26. They are two concepts:
1. Providing safe working space, depth of 3 ft and height of 6 ft 6 in, to work on and maintain the equiment. If a box this size can't be place in front of the panel its a violation
2. Provide access into the panel for future wiring. This space extends from the top of the panel to 6 ft above of the structural ceiling, which ever is lower.
Plus the space must allow ready access, IE no obstacles in front of.
Note: This post is from a DIYer. I am going to close it, but leave the answer so he can see the problems.
There may be some serious issues from the building dept, areas under stairs are a concern due to fire. It may be a 2 hour fire rated area, or a 1 hour, the panel may not be flush mounted.
as it would not be allowed in a 1 hour rated wall, I am not sure on this.
I would not install under the strairs as it would much more expensive to install the home runs due to the fire blocking. Most churches are wired in AC cable, or EMT, not NM by the way, as they are a Art 518 or 520 location.
Check with both the building and electrical AHJ first. Second find a different location.
[ January 28, 2005, 02:58 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]
The rules for working space are in 110.26. They are two concepts:
1. Providing safe working space, depth of 3 ft and height of 6 ft 6 in, to work on and maintain the equiment. If a box this size can't be place in front of the panel its a violation
2. Provide access into the panel for future wiring. This space extends from the top of the panel to 6 ft above of the structural ceiling, which ever is lower.
Plus the space must allow ready access, IE no obstacles in front of.
Note: This post is from a DIYer. I am going to close it, but leave the answer so he can see the problems.
There may be some serious issues from the building dept, areas under stairs are a concern due to fire. It may be a 2 hour fire rated area, or a 1 hour, the panel may not be flush mounted.
as it would not be allowed in a 1 hour rated wall, I am not sure on this.
I would not install under the strairs as it would much more expensive to install the home runs due to the fire blocking. Most churches are wired in AC cable, or EMT, not NM by the way, as they are a Art 518 or 520 location.
Check with both the building and electrical AHJ first. Second find a different location.
[ January 28, 2005, 02:58 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]
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