Mechanical Closet Light

[odyssey1]

Would the lighting requirements of 210.70(A)(3)-lighting required in utility rooms, specifically containing equipment requiring servicing-Apply to a small utility closet with a water heater? It seems like you could just open the door to get ambient light if the closet is small.

Thanks!

 

[north star]

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Please define small closet !


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[odyssey1]

The closet will be 4'x4' or smaller.

Thanks!

 

[Buck Parrish]

No, you'll need a light. The outlet with in 25 ft. you might get by with it being outside the closet.

 

[north star]

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odyssey1,

Initially, I would say that a light is not required within your utility closet,
because, IMO, it is not a utility "room".

In the end, it will be an AHJ determination........They may require one in
the 4' x 4' space, ...they may allow one to be installed directly outside
the 4' x 4' space on the ceiling, if it is mounted close enough to
actually be beneficial, ...they may not require one at all..........Recommend
that you contact the AHJ to see what they will require.

If it was your own water heater in this 4' x 4' space, would you want a
light in there ?


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[iwire]

Here is the code section


2014 NEC

210.70 Lighting Outlets Required. Lighting outlets shall
be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).

(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets
shall be installed in accordance with 210. 70(A)(l), (A)(2),
and (A)(3).


(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor
spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting
outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch
shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or
contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of
control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces.
The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment
requiring servicing.

In my opinion it is too vague for anyone but your own AHJ or inspector to answer.

 

[iwire]

If it was your own water heater in this 4' x 4' space, would you want a
light in there ?

Yes.

I can't think of anytime in my life I said to myself 'I wish they did not put a light here to work on this equipment'.

 

[odyssey1]

Thanks for your help.

The light wasn't shown on the permit drawings, and it wasn't brought up during the rough in inspection. Now, the AHJ is requiring one after completing the final inspection (when it will be the most difficult to add one).

That being said, I would prefer a light in my own mech closet.