Article 210.63 and others re attic HACR servicing?

13 years ago

Apologies in advance--recently moved, and can't find my Mullins text (or martini glasses) to save my life. =:O

Anyway, seem to remember that NECs of late require at least one dual 120V recep and one fixed (non pull-chain?) light in proximity to attic-mounted air handler, to facilitate servicing of same.

I'm pretty sure the light needs a cage protecting the bulb, yes/no/links to suitable fixtures?

Acceptable location of light switch in relation to attic hatch? Extra points for night-light switch?

Also thinking the receptacle can't be too close to attic hatch, nor too far away, yes/no/hard numbers?

Does recep have to be GFCI?

Thanks in advance.

Comments (3)

Ron Natalie
13 years ago
I don't know of any specific lighting requirement. It might be a local code.

The receptacle is Art.210.63

A 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere-rated receptacle outlet shall be installed at an accessible location for the servicing of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle shall be located on the same level and within 7.5 m (25 ft) of the heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle outlet shall not be connected to the load side of the equipment disconnecting means.

Swamp coolers are exempted. No GFCI requirement.
Ron Natalie
13 years ago
Attics with equipment are covered by 210.70

(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.
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fixizin
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks... sounds like a lot of latitude there on the light and switch... thought I remembered an illustration in Mullins, with double-ended arrows showing allowable range of distances from attic hatch, etc... obviously it must've been the recep-to-HACR-unit distance.

On my way... w/ FLEX and THWN... and strappage...

PS: that exemption for swamp coolers is kinda humorous... as if the "SwpClrMfrsAssn" has a big lobbying firm, lol.