Equipment service outlet

[f.rizzo]

On a new generator installation, which is in a seperate enclosure/housing, is there a code requirement for a equipment/convience outlet to be accesible to this area? also on rooftop hvac equipment is there a requirement to provide any type of lighting at or around the units ??

Thanks
Frank DiMassa
Supervisor
Summa Health System/Akron City Hospital

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Equipment service outlet

Frank-

I would suggest checking local code for the lighting issue. I work in the HVAC/R industry and have seen roof top HVAC and industrial refrig hygenic units with cat walks and lights, and just sitting on the structural steel base.

Tony

 

[earlydean]

Re: Equipment service outlet

The International Fuel Gas Code covers fuel-utilization equipment and related accessories.
Section 306.3 Appliances in attics, Section 306.4 Appliances under floors and Section 306.5 Appliances on roofs or elevated structures all require a receptacle outlet to be provided at or near the equipment location in accordance with the NEC. They also require a lighting outlet in the attic and under floors, but not on the rooftops.
The NEC doesn't require receptacles or lighting outlets in the generator section (Article 445), but does require receptacle outlets in attics, crawl spaces and on rooftops (Article 210.63)within 25 feet of any HVAC equipment. Article 210.70(A)(3) and again in 210.70(C) requires a lighting outlet for attics and under floor spaces that contain equipment requiring servicing. No lighting for rooftop units is required anywhere that I can find.

 

[Guest]

Re: Equipment service outlet

One is always free to plug a portable or clamp on light into the required service receptacle if light is needed.

../Wayne

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Equipment service outlet

Wayne-

One of the problems with portable lights is availability of power. All the hygenienic units I worked with had a GFCI@20A, powered by others. For whatever reason they are not always powered. Or, are tied into a circuit in the control panel. Some units had a panel service recepticle for a laptop, limited to 3A by circuit breaker. With the last two cases, plug in a 500 or 1000W portable work light and it will work for as long as it takes something to trip/blow. Commercial rooftop units are even cheaper and you would be looking at using a "suicide" cord with your lights and tapping into control circuit power on a transformer that is sized to the minimum requirements. If you can point out specifically in the NEC where a service recepticle is required for roof top HVAC/R units I would greatly appreciate it because I have missed it.

Tony

 

[earlydean]

Re: Equipment service outlet

Tony,
Article 210.63 requires the receptacle. the 1999 issue of the NEC specifically noted attics, crawl spaces and rooftops. The 2002 NEC has deleted this, probably because all locations require the outlet now that the exception for residential rooftop units has been deleted.
Earl

 

[roger]

Re: Equipment service outlet

Frank,

#1 The A/C Receptacle YES, as stated, see 210.63

#2 Generator location Receptacle NO

#3 Generator Lighting YES see NFPA 110

5-3.1 they will be battery powered, and 5-3.2 Intensity of illumination.

The generator recept could possibly be a state or local requirement.

Roger