ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Thermostats

Trivia:

What is the maximum height that a thermostat can be mounted in a commercial occupancy?

Is this addressed anywhere?

54" ?

Yes, it is addressed. Atleast it is now.

Roger

Hint: Chapter 11 of the International building code states that "buildings and structures,temporary or permanant, including their sites and facilities, shall be accessible to persons with disibilities"...

Section 1108.13: "controls, operating mechanisms and hardware intended for operation by the ocupant, including switches that control lighting and ventilation, and electrical convienance outlets...shall be accessible"

What does accessible mean?

Ryan try this thread; https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum1/HTML/003261.html

Roger

Roger: Good find

A number of people in that thread mentioned raising outlets to around 4' for child safety. How about the new "hanging hazard" created by having cords plugged in and running down to toddler level. A cheap lamp cord would probably pull right out of the receptacle but a heavier, three prong one may not. A heavier duty rubber cord could grip quite well if the young'un spun it around his/her neck. The hazard created by having uncut window blinds in a home with children is well known!

I think I just spun off on a tangent.

I have found if they are accessible, they want me to install a lock-box over them, then they loose the keys, then no one can access them..........

In a commercial occupancy, I think there would be a real question about if the thermostats are intended for use of the occupants or are limited to authorized maintenance personel. Out of reach could be part of an energy management policy.

Big Jim: You make an excellent point regarding maintanance personnel. The only concern I have is...does this mean you won't employ an individual on the basis the he/she is disabled? Also, what about temporary disabilities?

It's easy to fall into a trap with accessibility provisions.

I was taught that the standard practice was to mount the center of the T-stat at 60", on an interior wall.
I am not aware of any code requirement; I try to locate them where they will accurately reflect the temp. where the people are; in one school, T-state were mounted down, closer to the seated level of the occupants.