Outdoor or Indoor Location

[czars]

I have a client that wants to locate a single package hot tub on her covered porch (actually under the roof of her home). Two of the porch sides are outside walls of her home, the third side is screened and the fourth side is open to the screened-in pool area. My client also wants a utilize a ceiling mounted paddle fan which would be within 5 feet (horizontally) of the edge of the tub.

Article 680.22 (B), Outdoor Installation for pools, requires the fan to be a minimum of 12 feet above the water level. Article 680.42, Outdoor Spa Installation does not mention paddle fans. Article 680.43, Indoor Spa Installations, permits paddle fans if GFCI protected and mounted not less than 7 feet 6 inches above the water.

So, in this situation, if the Hot Tub is located on the porch, is it Outdoor installation or an Indoor installation.

 

[480sparky]

If its' just screened in, and no windows, I'd call it an outdoor location.

 

[haskindm]

This will need to be interpreted by the AHJ in your jurisdiction. I believe it could be argued either way and I don't see anything in the code to make it clearer.

 

[mdshunk]

Of all the work that an electrician does, it is my opinion that pools and spas have the greatest potential for liability. For that reason, I would interpret this the most conservative way and call it an outdoor location. After all, the code says 'indoor' and 'outdoor', not 'under roof' or 'not under roof'.

 

[bphgravity]

Positively outdoor in my jurisdiction.

 

[lpelectric]

This is definately an outdoors "damp" location. The dampness of the area is one of the major concerns. Seems like an equipment grounding conductor could corrode and not be available to clear ground faults and so the wiring method would be adjusted accordingly as would the listing and placement of fixtures and devices. :smile:

 

[iwire]

I agree with all the above comments. :smile:

 

[LarryFine]

I concur with the other opinions. (Yes, even Bob. :grin: ) If it's not within conditioned space, it's outdoors. Would a receptacle in the same area require a weather-proof cover?

Of course, attic and crawl spaces can be used to argue this point. In one of my counties, wiring under an enclosed porch need to be UF, while another permits NM cable to be used.

 

[wbalsam1]

, Would a receptacle in the same area require a weather-proof cover?

Yes. :smile:

..... wiring under an enclosed porch need to be UF, .....

Yes. :smile:

 

[frenchelectrican]

i will treat this sisuation as outdoor usage end of it.

the key word is spa, pools that automatically is a wet location.

Merci, Marc