Attic Access Nec

Here s the full text of the code.

Attic access nec. Type ac cables in accessible attics or. The national electric code has another definition for damp locations that is more subjective but if you think the receptacle is going to get wet use an in use. Nec 334 23 in accessible attics. Where the attic space is accessible through a scuttle hole the protection is required only within 6 feet of the scuttle hole.

I m sure this is in the nec too somewhere. For a sheetrock lid type attic access locating a pull chain type luminaire just above the attic access lid is code compliant as long as the luminaire is also adjacent to the equipment requiring servicing. The national electrical code defines a wet location as an area that is subject to saturation with water or other liquids and unprotected locations exposed to the weather. The access opening should be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location and minimum 22 x 30.

Don t have the nec infront of me right now to quote it. Where such spaces are not provided with access by permanent stairs or ladders protection shall only be required within 6 feet 1829 mm of the nearest edge of the attic entrance. An attic that is accessible which is defined by the nec as having a permanently installed stair or ladder in place must have protection for any cables that run across the top of the attic floor joists or within 7 feet where they run across the face of rafters or studs. If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required.

A pull down attic ladder does not count. Below is a preview of article 210. See the actual nec text at nfpa org for the complete code section.