what is a roof?

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Ponchik

Ponchik

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Location
CA
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Electronologist
Article 230.24 talks about service conductors to have minimum 8' clearance above roofs with some exceptions.

But, what if the service conductors are above a pergola that has a lattice work on top. IMO, the top lattice work is not a "roof".

What say you?

Thanks
 
Grammarly definition of pergola;
A framework in the form of a passageway of columns that supports a trelliswork roof; used to support and train climbing plants
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Other definitions I looked at do not call the top a roof. The Grammarly definition just happened to be the first I looked at.
 
Here's the Grammarly definition of roof:
1. The cover at the top of a building.
2. The upper part of a cavity.
3. mining The surface or bed of rock immediately overlying a bed of coal or a flat vein.
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Thanks for your replies Smarts.

Will see what the AHJ will say.
 
If I had to guess at what the committee was thinking when this rule was adopted, it would be that they didn't want someone walking on a roof, possibly hauling a 6' ladder, to be exposed to potential contact with the wire. IFF that is the case, since no one would ever be walking on the "roof" of a pergola it would not be a roof for the purposes of 230.24. On the other hand, someone might easily be climbing up to work on the greenery and you wouldn't want the conductors within ease reach of hands or tools.
 
I agree with gadfly56. It's all about standing on a roof and being too close to the conductors.
 
I think its probably a roof too. I had a pergola with a lattice roof, but I could walk on it if I kept my feet above the supporting framing.
 
steve66 said:
I think its probably a roof too. I had a pergola with a lattice roof, but I could walk on it if I kept my feet above the supporting framing.
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OK, Skinny McGee...:p

At my weight, I'm not supposed to be on most ladders (need a Type IA), let alone doing a balance beam routine on top of a pergola
 
Now that I look at the exceptions, I think one or more may apply.

In particular, exception #5 allows a reduction to 3' for a roof area that is "isolated". Not exactly sure what that means.

Exceptions 2,3, and 4 could also apply depending on the particulars.
 
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