Required lighting at Mechanical equipment in attic - M 1305.1.3.1

[ajweaver]

1) What is considered " at or near " the appliance location since there is no definition that provides specificity or clarity

2) Why is there not a linear foot distance or foot candle measurement specified as used in staircase lighting R 303.6 ( 1ft candle ) ?

 

[Builder Bob]

Answers to Number 1 and Number 2 - See the Building Official. He is responsible for interpretation and policies of acceptable practices for what is deemed acceptable per M 1305.1.3.1.

 

[mtlogcabin]

And to expand upon Builder Bob's post we require the light to be located in front of the service panel of the equipment

 

[Uncle Bob]

AJ,

"Required lighting at Mechanical equipment in attic - M 1305.1.3.1

A luminaire ------ shall be installed at or near the appliance location"

1) What is considered " at or near " the appliance location since there is no definition that provides specificity or clarity?"

The lighting is for illumination of the work area. I have seen the light blocked by structural framing from illuminating the appliance work area. In that case it was necessary to move the lighting outlet.

Also note that M1305.1.3.1 refers to Chapter 38 requirements; and that E3803.4 includes illumination for storage areas as well as equipment requiring service.

"2) Why is there not a linear foot distance or foot candle measurement specified as used in staircase lighting R 303.6 ( 1ft candle ) ?"

R303.6 states "For interior stairways the artificial light sources shall be capable of illuminating treads and landings to levels not less than 1 foot-candle ( 11 lux ) measured at the center of the treads and landings."

I have seen stairway lighting that did not illuminate all the treads and/or the landings; and required additional lighting or moving the light source to meet this requirement. That is what we are looking for at inspection. I have never required the measurement of the light source (1 foot-candle) at the treads and landings ; as long as it illuminated all treads and landings.

Hope this helps,

Uncle Bob