Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
I was told that I can't require working space for inside spa's control panel, motors, connections, etc. This still troubles me because I don’t think it is safe for someone to lay on their belly in mud to squeeze under a deck or squeeze between a wall and the spa to examine, test, or repair. It is hard for me to inspect these too even with the power off.
2018 IRC E3405.2 does require working space for panel boards and live parts of other equipment likely to require examination, etc. I still don’t understand why spas don’t need to comply with this because sometimes it needs to be worked on live.
There are no requirements for any kind of access in the Swimming Pools chapter of the IRC.
What do you think about me using the following sections in the mechanical sections of the 2018 IRC for access:
M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair
and replacement. Appliances shall be located to allow for
access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without
removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any
other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being
inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working
space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762
mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side
to service an appliance.
And the following for when you need to go under a deck floor for access:
M1305.1.3 Appliances under floors. Underfloor spaces
containing appliances shall be provided with an unobstructed
passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and
22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096
mm) long measured along the centerline of the passageway
from the opening to the appliance. A level service
space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches
(762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side
of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the service
space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining
grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with
concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (102 mm) above
the adjoining grade in accordance with Chapter 4. The
rough-framed access opening dimensions shall be not less
than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), and
large enough to remove the largest appliance.
Exceptions:
1. The passageway is not required where the level
service space is present when the access is open,
and the appliance can be serviced and removed
through the required opening.
2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not
less than 6 feet high (1829 mm) and 22 inches
(559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway
shall not be limited in length.
However, I don’t think I should require the following for outside spa’s:
M1305.1.3.3 Electrical requirements. A luminaire
controlled by a switch located at the required passageway
opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at
or near the appliance location in accordance with
Chapter 39. Exposed lamps shall be protected from
damage by location or lamp guards.
please give me your opinions.
2018 IRC E3405.2 does require working space for panel boards and live parts of other equipment likely to require examination, etc. I still don’t understand why spas don’t need to comply with this because sometimes it needs to be worked on live.
There are no requirements for any kind of access in the Swimming Pools chapter of the IRC.
What do you think about me using the following sections in the mechanical sections of the 2018 IRC for access:
M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair
and replacement. Appliances shall be located to allow for
access for inspection, service, repair and replacement without
removing permanent construction, other appliances, or any
other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being
inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working
space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762
mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side
to service an appliance.
And the following for when you need to go under a deck floor for access:
M1305.1.3 Appliances under floors. Underfloor spaces
containing appliances shall be provided with an unobstructed
passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and
22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096
mm) long measured along the centerline of the passageway
from the opening to the appliance. A level service
space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches
(762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side
of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the service
space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining
grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with
concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (102 mm) above
the adjoining grade in accordance with Chapter 4. The
rough-framed access opening dimensions shall be not less
than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), and
large enough to remove the largest appliance.
Exceptions:
1. The passageway is not required where the level
service space is present when the access is open,
and the appliance can be serviced and removed
through the required opening.
2. Where the passageway is unobstructed and not
less than 6 feet high (1829 mm) and 22 inches
(559 mm) wide for its entire length, the passageway
shall not be limited in length.
However, I don’t think I should require the following for outside spa’s:
M1305.1.3.3 Electrical requirements. A luminaire
controlled by a switch located at the required passageway
opening and a receptacle outlet shall be installed at
or near the appliance location in accordance with
Chapter 39. Exposed lamps shall be protected from
damage by location or lamp guards.
please give me your opinions.
