Pull down attic stairs

[roach1521]

Are pull down attic stairs considered "permanent stairs or ladders"

 

[ActionDave]

Depends on who you talk to, but I say they are permanent.

 

[charlie b]

I would say yes. If, for example, there is a device on the floor above that is require to be "readily accessible," then a pull-down ladder would not put you into the "no portable ladders" arena. I think the rule against portable ladders has to do with the difficulty you might face if you are not able to find the ladder when you wish to use it.

 

[luckylerado]

Are pull down attic stairs considered "permanent stairs or ladders"

I do not consider trusses to be floor joists if there is no flooring or sub-flooring installed but that is just how I would argue the point knowing that it is a long shot. Some assumptions were made in creating this response...

 

[petersonra]

Are pull down attic stairs considered "permanent stairs or ladders"

The term is not defined in the NEC so it means whatever whomever is interpreting it thinks it means.

I would suggest any reasonable definition of the word permanent would include a pull down stair that is secured in place, unless one argues that a house is not permanent because it will eventually be torn down. Don't laugh. I have heard argument that are close to that silly made here before.

 

[growler]

Don't laugh. I have heard arguments that are close to that silly made here before.

This is a free country and if you have an IQ of over 21 you are allowed to vote and have an opinion.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

If the pull down is defined as permanent, do we need to install three way switches at the top and bottom of the stairwell when pulled down:huh:

 

[ActionDave]

If the pull down is defined as permanent, do we need to install three way switches at the top and bottom of the stairwell when pulled down:huh:

There is no requirement for three way switches at a stairwell, only that there be a switch at each level.

 

[petersonra]

If the pull down is defined as permanent, do we need to install three way switches at the top and bottom of the stairwell when pulled down:huh:

it is clearly not a stairwell.

 

[rcarroll]

If the pull down is defined as permanent, do we need to install three way switches at the top and bottom of the stairwell when pulled down:huh:

I say no.

 

[Johnnybob]

This is a free country and if you have an IQ of over 21 you are allowed to vote and have an opinion.

How bout 20.5? Close enough, eh?

 

[mbrooke]

Every pull down ladder attic around here has a pull chain socket with the string hanging down around the opening. One condo complex takes it further and has a lighted switch in the hallway- ie glows red when the attic bulb is lit.


From a code perspective, my understanding is that unless you have heating or cooling equipment up there, you do not need a light source and the pull down stairs are not "permanent".

 

[kwired]

The term is not defined in the NEC so it means whatever whomever is interpreting it thinks it means.

I would suggest any reasonable definition of the word permanent would include a pull down stair that is secured in place, unless one argues that a house is not permanent because it will eventually be torn down. Don't laugh. I have heard argument that are close to that silly made here before.

I am working on a house that was moved from one place to another, they just finished setting it in it's new place today, does that make it a mobile home now?

 

[GoldDigger]

Nope, and it does not make it a manufactured home either.