I'm looking for the NEC definition of an attached garage

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1793

1793

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Louisville, Kentucky
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Inspector
Where can i find the definition of an attached garage as used by the NEC?

I have had a call about getting power to a garage that is attached to the house via a pedway(?). I have not seen this yet so I think the pedway could be closed in.

How would you class the garage if the pedway is a roof covered walk way connecting the two buildings?

Thanks as always.
 
1793 said:
Where can i find the definition of an attached garage as used by the NEC?
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You won't find it in the NEC

1793 said:
How would you class the garage if the pedway is a roof covered walk way connecting the two buildings?
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I would say they are seperate structures...until someone puts walls on the pedway (sometimes called a "breezeway") ;)
 
Even though the building itself is technically detached, once the breezeway is installed connecting the 2 structures, they become attached by means of the breezeway. As was previously said here, your best bet is to ask the AHJ, but I would bet more often than not they will tell you the same thing. Best of luck!
 
If there is a roof attaching the two buildings I would call it attached.

Of course the best advice has already been given, talk to the inspector first.:)

If the inspector feels it is a separate structure you will be limited to one circuit from the main building or you need to run a feeder to a panel with grounding electrodes.
 
I agree that attached means attached. A roof connecting two structures together makes one attached to the other. My deck has no walls or ceiling but it's still attached to my house.
 
iwire said:
If there is a roof attaching the two buildings I would call it attached.

Of course the best advice has already been given, talk to the inspector first.:)

If the inspector feels it is a separate structure you will be limited to one circuit from the main building or you need to run a feeder to a panel with grounding electrodes.
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Why would he be limited to just one circuit? Am I missing something here?
 
chevyx92 said:
Why would he be limited to just one circuit? Am I missing something here?
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If the garage was to be considered a separate building or structure than 225.30 applies.

225.30 limits the number of branch circuits and feeders to one supplying separate buildings.

The one branch circuit could be a multi wire branch circuit which would get you two circuits at most.

If you need more circuits you must run a feeder to a panel in the separate building. That feeder would have to comply with 225.31 through 225.40.

Once you run a feeder it must comply with 250.32 which requires grounding electrodes at the separate building
 
iwire said:
If the garage was to be considered a separate building or structure than 225.30 applies.

225.30 limits the number of branch circuits and feeders to one supplying separate buildings.

The one branch circuit could be a multi wire branch circuit which would get you two circuits at most.

If you need more circuits you must run a feeder to a panel in the separate building. That feeder would have to comply with 225.31 through 225.40.

Once you run a feeder it must comply with 250.32 which requires grounding electrodes at the separate building
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I guess I was missing something (that article). I didn't know the number of circuits was limited before you have to have a feeder. Learn something new everyday. Thanks.
 
infinity said:
I agree that attached means attached. A roof connecting two structures together makes one attached to the other. My deck has no walls or ceiling but it's still attached to my house.
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Not really. The roof is attached to both buildings but the buildings are not attached to each other. Yes it would be the call of the AHJ. However, though I'm not totally familiar with building code, I'm of the impression an attached garage is one that has a common wall with another portion of the same building... and I believe said wall has to meet fire-rating criteria as such.
 
This is a building-code issue, and has to do with a flammable connection between the structures. A breezeway can bridge fire from one to the other, rendering it effectively attached.

I'll have to check on the exact numbers, but around here, a house and a garage must either be attached by an apporximately 10'-wide attachment or have 12' of separation between them.

In other words, if they're too close together, they must be connected.
 
If you're setting a separate panel in the garage for garage power, make sure you use 250.32(B)(1) [separate neutral & grounding].
If you use 250.32(B)(2) you might regret it later. . Even if its designated as an open but covered walkway right now and considered separate by the AHJ, if the walkway "grows" walls before the job gets done, you'll have a problem if you don't have that extra wire.

David
 
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