barbeer
Senior Member
- Location
- Pinellas County, FL
Why would someone install an electrical load center, opening mid-rise in a stairwell? Safety or the lack thereof should be a concern. Opinions?
Pierre C Belarge said:This same question was brought up a while back. This question was sent to NFPA, and the response back was, if the clearance is met, then it is permitted. Me, I don't like the idea of a panel located in a stairwell, but if it is permitted....
barbeer said:Why would someone install an electrical load center, opening mid-rise in a stairwell? Safety or the lack thereof should be a concern. Opinions?
1-199 Log #159 NEC-P01
(110-26(A))
Final Action: Reject
Submitter: W. Creighton Schwan Hayward, CA
Recommendation:
Add to (A), starting in line 7:
The grade, floor or platform of the working space shall be horizontal, flat, and level, except where necessarily sloped to drain, and smooth without projection or indentation.
Substantiation:
This change will provide a specific requirement to correct these conditions observed in the field:
1. Panel boards and toggle switches in stairway walls.
2. Outdoor disconnects where the grade slopes away at such an angle or is so rocky that the working space is there, but safe footing is not possible. This is a safety issue. Working is unsafe where the footing is not level.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement:
The proposed requirement is too restrictive. The submitter notes that it would preclude a toggle switch in a stairway wall. There is no justification for such a broad restriction. Qualified persons routinely work safely from ladders or scaffolding that may be required in the workspace.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Affirmative: 12
FBC SECTION 1019
VERTICAL EXIT ENCLOSURES
1019.1.2 Penetrations.
Penetrations into and openings through an exit enclosure are prohibited except for required exit doors, equipment and ductwork necessary for independent pressurization, sprinkler piping, standpipes, electrical raceway for fire department communication and electrical raceway serving the exit enclosure and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m2). Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 712. There shall be no penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent exit enclosures.