Heater circuits / convenience outlet /lighting

[electricguy61]

What has been your experience regarding circuits for residential gas powered furnaces?

It's common here in Northern CA to put the furnace in the attic, which necessitates a light above the heater as well as an outlet for the repair man.

I've always run a dedicated circuit to a DG box, and wired the furnace, light and outlet off the circuit. Recent inspector required that the furnace be wired by itself. Even he admitted it wasn't a load issue, but he argued it was required. He trusted me to make the needed adjustments without a re-inspection (which I did).

 

[jumper]

Inspector is correct.

422.12 Central Heating Equipment. Central heating
equipment other than fixed electric space-heating equipment
shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit.
Exception No. 1: Auxiliary equipment, such as a pump,
valve, humidifier, or electrostatic air cleaner directly associated
with the heating equipment, shall be permitted to be
connected to the same branch circuit.
Exception No. 2: Permanently connected air-conditioning
equipment shall be permitted to be connected to the same
branch circuit.

 

[electricguy61]

Inspector is correct.

422.12 Central Heating Equipment. Central heating
equipment other than fixed electric space-heating equipment
shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit.
Exception No. 1: Auxiliary equipment, such as a pump,
valve, humidifier, or electrostatic air cleaner directly associated
with the heating equipment, shall be permitted to be
connected to the same branch circuit.
Exception No. 2: Permanently connected air-conditioning
equipment shall be permitted to be connected to the same
branch circuit.

Thanks Jumper.

Now is it enforced in most areas? I've never been called on it before. Perhaps I could suggest an amendment to the NEC

 

[hurk27]

The idea is if you ever have to shut off the furnace breaker you wouldn't have a light or receptacle to use while working on the furance, the whole reason for them being there.

 

[electricguy61]

The idea is if you ever have to shut off the furnace breaker you wouldn't have a light or receptacle to use while working on the furance, the whole reason for them being there.

Isn't that what the disconnect is for?

 

[jumper]

Isn't that what the disconnect is for?

What if you have to replace the disconnect?

 

[pete m.]

Now is it enforced in most areas?

Daily.

Pete