Rooftop A/C lighting

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Dennis Alwon

Dennis Alwon

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No lighting is required to illuminate equipment outdoors. I believe because a receptacle is supposed to be handy nearby so a trouble light could easily be used. With all the battery tools that is hardly necessary any more.
 
iwire

iwire

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FWIW the gas codes (at least around me) require a light at gas fired equipment.

So a roof top A/C unit equipped with a gas heating section would require light.

I often see jelly jar fixtures with cages.


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david luchini

david luchini

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iwire said:
FWIW the gas codes (at least around me) require a light at gas fired equipment.
Click to expand...

I think you'll find that the gas code (NFPA 54 or CMR 248) require a light at the roof access when there is gas equipment on the roof. But this is often misinterpretted as requiring a light at the equipment.
 
iwire

iwire

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david luchini said:
I think you'll find that the gas code (NFPA 54 or CMR 248) require a light at the roof access when there is gas equipment on the roof. But this is often misinterpretted as requiring a light at the equipment.
Click to expand...

That could be it.

I just know we have had to install them to get final inspection regardless of the fact they were not called for on the prints. :)
 
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Gregg Harris

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Virginia
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david luchini said:
I think you'll find that the gas code (NFPA 54 or CMR 248) require a light at the roof access when there is gas equipment on the roof. But this is often misinterpretted as requiring a light at the equipment.
Click to expand...


NFPA 54 8.4.3.4
Permanant lighting shall be provided at the roof access.The switch for such lighting shall be located inside the building near the access means leading to the roof.

IFGC
No lighting requirements
 
renosteinke

renosteinke

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NE Arkansas
Great cite! I was not aware of such a requirement, and I doubt I've ever seen such a light on a rooftop.

As I see it, such a light is a great 'add on' or 'value added' feature. Would you place in on the outside (as in the pic), or within the compartment you need to open? Would you add a timer, or other means to ensure that it doesn't stay on unnecessarily?

I wonder how accepted NFPA 54 is, or whether this requirement is shared by the ICC codes. I also wonder about the application of the requirement where your 'access' is by setting your ladder against the wall of the building.
 
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Gregg Harris

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Virginia
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Electrical,HVAC, Technical Trainer
renosteinke said:
Great cite! I was not aware of such a requirement, and I doubt I've ever seen such a light on a rooftop.

As I see it, such a light is a great 'add on' or 'value added' feature. Would you place in on the outside (as in the pic), or within the compartment you need to open? Would you add a timer, or other means to ensure that it doesn't stay on unnecessarily?

I wonder how accepted NFPA 54 is, or whether this requirement is shared by the ICC codes. I also wonder about the application of the requirement where your 'access' is by setting your ladder against the wall of the building.
Click to expand...

The "I" codes mirror the verbiage so ICC, IFGC, and IMC for equipment mounted on roof only require a light at entrance and outlet within 25' of equipment.
 
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Eddie702

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Western Massachusetts
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Electrician
Yes I have seen it required in the gas codes. I have seen a few lights on roof tops but it doesn't seem like it is enforced very much at least around here
 
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