- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
When searching for an answer to a question, I discovered this thread in the scrolls. Never thought of the storage angle. So, if that handbook reference is the intent of this code, I want to change it!
1.) NEC Section/Paragraph: 320.23, 320.23(A)
2.) Proposal Recommends: revised text
3.) Proposal: Revise 320.23 as follows:
320.23 In Accessible Attics. Cables in accessible attics or roof spaces that are suitable for storage shall be installed according to 320.23(A) and (B). Spaces that have no floor installed shall be considered unsuitable for storage in applying the requirements of this section.
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) vertically of floors installed across the top of rafters or studding, cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6' of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
4.) Substantiation: Attic spaces without flooring are not suitable for storage due to the fact that the finished ceiling below the rafters is unprotected and subject to damage by stored items.
Under the 2005 NEC, cables in attic spaces that are unusuable for storage spaces are being needlessly protected against damage that will not likely occur. Revising this text to apply only to attic spaces with flooring installed will be as effective, while relieving installers from the requirement to protect cables where no such protection is necessary.
In addition, the removal of the reference to the term "AC cable" in 320.23 will provide clarity in relation to other articles that reference this code, such as 334.23. The term "AC cable" is unnecessary in this context, as it is located in the article by the same name.
Editted substantiation.
[ April 01, 2005, 06:14 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
1.) NEC Section/Paragraph: 320.23, 320.23(A)
2.) Proposal Recommends: revised text
3.) Proposal: Revise 320.23 as follows:
320.23 In Accessible Attics. Cables in accessible attics or roof spaces that are suitable for storage shall be installed according to 320.23(A) and (B). Spaces that have no floor installed shall be considered unsuitable for storage in applying the requirements of this section.
(A) Where Run Across the Top of Floor Joists. Where run across the top of floor joists, or within 2.1 m (7 ft) vertically of floors installed across the top of rafters or studding, cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips at least as high as the cable. Where this space is not accessible by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6' of the nearest edge of the scuttle hole or attic entrance.
4.) Substantiation: Attic spaces without flooring are not suitable for storage due to the fact that the finished ceiling below the rafters is unprotected and subject to damage by stored items.
Under the 2005 NEC, cables in attic spaces that are unusuable for storage spaces are being needlessly protected against damage that will not likely occur. Revising this text to apply only to attic spaces with flooring installed will be as effective, while relieving installers from the requirement to protect cables where no such protection is necessary.
In addition, the removal of the reference to the term "AC cable" in 320.23 will provide clarity in relation to other articles that reference this code, such as 334.23. The term "AC cable" is unnecessary in this context, as it is located in the article by the same name.
Editted substantiation.
[ April 01, 2005, 06:14 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
