Sump pit placement
- Thread starter mikej
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
Re: Sump pit placement
I think you might find that it would be in violation of at least the spirit of the working space requirements, unless it had a grate over it.
I think you might find that it would be in violation of at least the spirit of the working space requirements, unless it had a grate over it.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
Re: Sump pit placement
Isn't the grate being removed at some future date sort of like arguing that someone might move something in front of the panel at some future date?
It might well be a violation at that point in time, but right this instance, I am not so sure.
Besides, the working space requirements don't say anything about this.
110.26 A(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E).
One could easily argue a grate is a kind of platform, and this section clearly allows platforms.
<edited for spelling>
[ December 06, 2004, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: petersonra ]
Isn't the grate being removed at some future date sort of like arguing that someone might move something in front of the panel at some future date?
It might well be a violation at that point in time, but right this instance, I am not so sure.
Besides, the working space requirements don't say anything about this.
110.26 A(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to the height required by 110.26(E).
One could easily argue a grate is a kind of platform, and this section clearly allows platforms.
<edited for spelling>
[ December 06, 2004, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: petersonra ]
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Sump pit placement
I perform alot of the equipment rehab work for a local wastewater utility contractor. 99% of all the equipment faces the pit which places the pit door just below and infront of the equipment.
With the pit door closed, there is no issue. However, when the pit door is open, it can be very awkward and quite dangerous trying to reach the controls or make adjustments. Some of these doors weigh close to 100 pounds which makes opening and closing them over and over just as awkward and dangerous.
I perform alot of the equipment rehab work for a local wastewater utility contractor. 99% of all the equipment faces the pit which places the pit door just below and infront of the equipment.
With the pit door closed, there is no issue. However, when the pit door is open, it can be very awkward and quite dangerous trying to reach the controls or make adjustments. Some of these doors weigh close to 100 pounds which makes opening and closing them over and over just as awkward and dangerous.
Re: Sump pit placement
I think we all agree a pit is not allowed unless something covers the pit. And then it is a "maybe". Sometimes I think its best to leave things like this a little vauge in the code, and let the AHJ decide for themslves on a case by case basis. (But I am sure others will argue the code should be black and white, and there should be no room for individual interpertation.)
The thing I really don't like is that the grate (or cover) isn't going to be perfectly flush. It will either stick up a little, or be recessed a little. Then the floor will be sloped toward the pit, and then there will be a pipe coming up out of the pit. I think it has a lot of potential to become the "give them an inch" type of thing.
Steve
I think we all agree a pit is not allowed unless something covers the pit. And then it is a "maybe". Sometimes I think its best to leave things like this a little vauge in the code, and let the AHJ decide for themslves on a case by case basis. (But I am sure others will argue the code should be black and white, and there should be no room for individual interpertation.)
The thing I really don't like is that the grate (or cover) isn't going to be perfectly flush. It will either stick up a little, or be recessed a little. Then the floor will be sloped toward the pit, and then there will be a pipe coming up out of the pit. I think it has a lot of potential to become the "give them an inch" type of thing.
Steve
russ
Senior Member
- Location
- Burbank IL
Re: Sump pit placement
I agree with tkb, sump pit + pump = discharge pipe coming up out of the pit. RED TAG
I agree with tkb, sump pit + pump = discharge pipe coming up out of the pit. RED TAG
Re: Sump pit placement
Lets say that the discharge line is below grade until it exits the required clear space. And lets also say that the grate is perfectly flush with the floor. 12" x 12" grate, not those 100 pounders.
There is no prohibition in the code. Headroom is required by 110.26(E) but nothing required below grade working space.
PRETTY BAD PLACE FOR A SUMP PIT THOUGH! Maybe you should consider relocating it. Just a thought.
Lets say that the discharge line is below grade until it exits the required clear space. And lets also say that the grate is perfectly flush with the floor. 12" x 12" grate, not those 100 pounders.
There is no prohibition in the code. Headroom is required by 110.26(E) but nothing required below grade working space.
PRETTY BAD PLACE FOR A SUMP PIT THOUGH! Maybe you should consider relocating it. Just a thought.
problemsolver600
Member
- Location
- South Chicago suburbs
Re: Sump pit placement
I'm not an expert on all of the code, but I find a lot of builders try to fit as many utilities into one corner as possible, and I find several "pits" clearly blocking the clear floor area I want for safe footing.
I'm not an expert on all of the code, but I find a lot of builders try to fit as many utilities into one corner as possible, and I find several "pits" clearly blocking the clear floor area I want for safe footing.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Occupation
- Massachusetts Master Electrician, one man show.
Re: Sump pit placement
If the "Pit" is covered I see no problem at all. But what if.... can apply to any situation you can think up.
[ December 07, 2004, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
If the "Pit" is covered I see no problem at all. But what if.... can apply to any situation you can think up.
[ December 07, 2004, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
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