ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Does an attic fan need illumination?

It is one thing to seek explanations for something, and another to have a chip on your shoulder. One of the things that really irks me is the "you instinctively know better than all the idiots out there" mindset that is taught in so many schools.

Knowing without learning? I don't think so.

There is a reason apprenticeships take years; it really does take that long to learn just the basics of a trade.
Apart from 'book learning,' there is the mater of judgement. An electrician is paid for his judgement. There is also the mattter of perspective- looking at something in terms of the whole job.

I hear criticisms of not meeting code, and criticisms of exceeding code. If you can't have faith in your teacher- it's time for a new teacher.

Are all of us less than perfect? Sure we are. We goof, we overlook things, we take short-cuts... but most of all, we try to play the best game we can with the less-than-perfect hand we've been dealt.

Reno:

BRAVO, well thought out, and well said!!!!

Shock:

Ever think about 'your boss' dropping by this public forum???
I'm not being a wise guy, but....ya never know who reads; be it on the PC, or in the mens room, or porta-potti.

John

Is it up to code to attach a coach lamp fixture bar directly to a concrete wall?

Is it ok to add an additional receptacle from the dedicated 20 amp line for a laundry receptacle in the same room?

Is it ok to not install a light and GFCI receptacle for 7.5 ton rooftop A/C condensor?

Is it ok to ignore manufacturers specs for a kitchen hood fan/ light that requires an individual 20 amp branch circuit and feed it from the microwave oven circuit?

These are all things I have done for this contractor. And it burns me up that I have taken the time to become a better electrician by going to school, visiting this forum on a daily basis, and reading book after book about electrical theory, and then told to do things the ****** up way. And then to top it off you folks side with him. I am not new at this. I've been at it for over 15 years. I don't claim to know everything but I do know right from wrong.

No.


Yes.


The NEC requires a receptacle outlet withing 25' and on the same level as the unit.

The NEC does not require a light for a RTU.


I doubt that any hood fan /light actually requires a 20 amp individual branch circuit.

But you have missed the point.

The point is you are responsible for what you do.

If this person continually asks you to perform work that you feel is wrong than it is up to you to either quit or stay and do whats asked of you.

How they run their business is none of your business.

Good luck, no one is giving you a hard time for wanting to do nice work and no one is siding with your boss.

Either stay and stop complaining, or leave and stop complaining.

As was stated above:
You are responsible for the work you do.
If your boss requires you to do Work that you feel is illegal, immoral, or otherwise against your better judgement, then you should be looking for another employer.

Back to the topic...I've worked on many roof fans and they are designed to be disconnected from inside the attic. The bolts that hold the dome on has nuts on the inside that you hold from the attic side. And after the dome is removed, I'm not putting my hand thru the blades to disconnect the electric from the roof side. So my vote is for an attic light and a switch.

Then you are installing one of those dome fans you put the blade on after you wire it. I understand getting the blade off 20 years later may be tougher.

Reach through fan to disconnect????? Never seen one of those....

Besides, the residential and mechanical codes require a light in attic spaces with an appliance anyway.