Wall space & columns

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rcarroll

rcarroll

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Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Do you consider columns as wall space & require receptacle outlets?
Example: a six inch square column or larger would be 2' or more of wall space requiring an outlet.
Field techs, do you install one? Inspectors, do you require one?
I'm asking because we have a spirited debate in my office. :)
Thank you.

Ron
 
rcarroll said:
Do you consider columns as wall space & require receptacle outlets?
Example: a six inch square column or larger would be 2' or more of wall space requiring an outlet.
Field techs, do you install one? Inspectors, do you require one?
I'm asking because we have a spirited debate in my office. :)
Thank you.

Ron
Click to expand...
Depending on the usage and layout of the space, it may well be a good design decision to install receptacles even if they are not code required.
I do not think that the code is unambiguous either way, since the wall space measurement explicitly extends across corners.
 
rcarroll said:
Do you consider columns as wall space & require receptacle outlets?
Example: a six inch square column or larger would be 2' or more of wall space requiring an outlet.
Field techs, do you install one? Inspectors, do you require one?
I'm asking because we have a spirited debate in my office. :)
Thank you.

Ron
Click to expand...

Is it in a dwelling unit?
 
rcarroll said:
Yes, usually a large house & the columns are either decorative or are masking a structural post in a great room.
Click to expand...

If code interpretation were based entirely on logic, it would seem clear that there is not likely to be any furniture requiring plug connection in the vicinity of the columns, while you might well have a table and lamp on even a 24" wall. And plugging a vacuum cleaner into a perimeter receptacle should be just fine.

But logic and common sense do not always rule code writing and code interpretation.
 
Not required although I have heard of inspectors incorrectly requiring a receptacle when the columns are 6X6 or larger squares.

2-153 Log #2734 NEC-P02 Final Action: Reject
(210.52(A)(2) Exception (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Robert Meier, Norwood, NJ
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall include
the following:
(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured
around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar
openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets
(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding
panels
(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type
counters or railings
Exception: Rectangular, square, round or other shaped columns shall not
be required to comply with this section.
Substantiation: Some inspectors have been requiring columns with an outer
dimension of 24 in or more, particularly those in basements, to comply with 210.52(A)(2). In many cases it is impracticable to install receptacles in these
locations (think of trying to install a receptacle on a round column with a 24 in.
circumference). The new exception will clarify that columns do not need to be
counted as wall space when complying with 210.52(A)(2).
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The Exception is unnecessary. A column is not a “wall
space” as defined in 210.52(A)(2)(1) and, as such, the 24” dimension has no
application.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 1
Click to expand...
 
I'd take issue with a designer putting a column in the middle of my great room.
Make the span work.
We can build aircraft hangers; why can't we span 50' or 200' in a great room?
 
mgookin said:
I'd take issue with a designer putting a column in the middle of my great room.
Make the span work.
We can build aircraft hangers; why can't we span 50' or 200' in a great room?
Click to expand...

I would be very surprised if it was not discussed and the answer would be costs.
 
If they are building a great room, they should be able to afford a receptacle on each column.
 
infinity said:
Not required although I have heard of inspectors incorrectly requiring a receptacle when the columns are 6X6 or larger squares.
Click to expand...

2-153 Log #2734 NEC-P02 Final Action: Reject
(210.52(A)(2) Exception (New) )
__________________________________________________ ______________
Submitter: Robert Meier, Norwood, NJ
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
210.52(A)(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall include
the following:
(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured
around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar
openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets
(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding
panels
(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type
counters or railings
Exception: Rectangular, square, round or other shaped columns shall not
be required to comply with this section.
Substantiation: Some inspectors have been requiring columns with an outer
dimension of 24 in or more, particularly those in basements, to comply with 210.52(A)(2). In many cases it is impracticable to install receptacles in these
locations (think of trying to install a receptacle on a round column with a 24 in.
circumference). The new exception will clarify that columns do not need to be
counted as wall space when complying with 210.52(A)(2).
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The Exception is unnecessary. A column is not a “wall
space” as defined in 210.52(A)(2)(1) and, as such, the 24” dimension has no
application.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 1
Click to expand...

The column is not a wall. I think we all agree.

But we often box in columns. Are they saying a boxed in column is not a wall? I don't see where they do.
 
infinity said:
Yes a boxed column is not considered wall space.
Click to expand...

Then they should have worded it:

Rectangular, square, round or other shaped columns and column enclosures shall not
be required to comply with this section.
 
tkb said:
If they are building a great room, they should be able to afford a receptacle on each column.
Click to expand...
It's not a question of affordability, it's making a correct call during an inspection.
Thank you all for your replies. I was able to use the proposed code change infinity provided for training purposes. :thumbsup:
 
tkb said:
If they are building a great room, they should be able to afford a receptacle on each column.
Click to expand...

The column cost vs the cost of additional material for strength of the roof/ceiling beams is a tradeoff, and in some cases, the structural team believed the center column was the better solution. The cost for a receptacle on the column is probably much less compared to the costs involved in the structural work.

When you are on the engineering/construction team, it is a matter of cost, and if not required, you have the choice to put one in out of ignorance, just in case. Might also be something the end-user prefers. Or, for visual appeal, it might be something the end-user would rather not have to have, even if cost is not a factor. So it is important to get the issue understood for code compliance, even if what you'd do is overbuild just in case.
 
mgookin said:
Then they should have worded it:

Rectangular, square, round or other shaped columns and column enclosures shall not
be required to comply with this section.
Click to expand...

Right. That would help clear up the ambiguity for columns with siding. Without including enclosed columns, you might think that the exception only applies to columns with the basic structural member covered by only paint/galvanizing/other direct finishes.
 
Merriam Webster's definition of a wall:

: a structure of brick, stone, etc., that surrounds an area or separates one area from another.

: the structure that forms the side of a room or building.

Since the code uses the term"wall space", I wouldn't require it. Just my opinion. :cool:
 
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