Switch on the Attic Floor

Merry Christmas
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i feel like that's just asking for trouble. why do it if you don't have to? think about it... why not just install a 2by4 stud from the floor to roof and screw your box to that or something like that. The code does have the 6ft scuttle hole rule for a reason. And to me a switch on the floor face up is asking for fate to have a go at making the improbable happen. Come on is a pull string that bad. You could install a motion switch but what a waste of a switch.
 
I hear you guys saying it is not a good idea to mount a switch on a floor but the customer wants it, so I'm going to have to produce a code reference to tell him it can't be done. So far, nobody has said it is against the code.
 
stickboy1375 said:
Why did you even give him an option, just say NO it cant be done to begin with...?
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The customer is a retired electrician. He wants what he wants and he knows that unless the code says it can't be done he can get me or someone else to do it.
 
mkgrady said:
The customer is a retired electrician. He wants what he wants and he knows that unless the code says it can't be done he can get me or someone else to do it.
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So, what's the problem, then? Sell him what he wants.
 
stickboy1375 said:
Yep... sell away...
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Lacking a code prohibition, I preserve a customer's right to want something dumb installed. I only object if I have a much more expensive alternative to propose. :grin:
 
Thanks all for the input. Now I feel I can go install his floor switch. When all the carpenters on the job say they have never seen that before I can at least say it meets code.
 
I agree that this is no prohibition against this installation, however IMHO it would be poor design to provide a switch without physical protection against stepping upon it.

Possibly something as simple as a weatherproof switch cover, eg. http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/RACO_datasheet.asp?PN=5155-0 or possibly some sort of coverplate with a _deep_ hole for the toggle, so that if you step on it your foot is supported by the coverplate (of course, the coverplate itself would have to be flush with the floor).

I don't think that the code requires this, but I think that some sort of physical protection is a good idea to sell to the customer.

-Jon
 
I wonder if the day will come when the HO trips over this switch and ends up at the bottom of the pull down stairs. I am no lawyer but I bet a good lawyer can make a case.
 
winnie said:
I agree that this is no prohibition against this installation, however IMHO it would be poor design to provide a switch without physical protection against stepping upon it.

Possibly something as simple as a weatherproof switch cover, eg. http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/RACO_datasheet.asp?PN=5155-0 or possibly some sort of coverplate with a _deep_ hole for the toggle, so that if you step on it your foot is supported by the coverplate (of course, the coverplate itself would have to be flush with the floor).

I don't think that the code requires this, but I think that some sort of physical protection is a good idea to sell to the customer.

-Jon
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I agree it is a poor design but the owner is sure of what he wants. He wants a handy box surface mounted on the floor at the top of the pull-down stairway. I don't think it's likely he will step ON the switch, I suspect he will more likely stub his toes on the handy box.
 
mkgrady said:
I agree it is a poor design but the owner is sure of what he wants. He wants a handy box surface mounted on the floor at the top of the pull-down stairway. I don't think it's likely he will step ON the switch, I suspect he will more likely stub his toes on the handy box.
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If the box is mounted at the side of the opening a couple of feet before the top landing of the stairs, he can turn it on as he ascends, and turn it off as he descends. It is unlikely that anyone will be walking within 2 inches of the edge of the ladder hole when it is more than a big step down to support.
 
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