My father in law is having his basement remodeled for a home office. His wifes “handyman” was in doing some work for her somewhere else and saw the light in the picture below and said it was not “code” based on its location.
I don’t think it is pretty, nor would I have located it there (looks like they took the easy way out on this one). But I can’t think why it wouldn’t be legal.
Any comments?
Replies
Oops, here is the pic...
Resized. Your rail is a real issue. Redford has a point with the light.
View Image
Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
Edited 9/5/2009 9:45 pm by ruffmike
Edited 9/5/2009 9:47 pm by ruffmike
Probably the best/simplest fix for the light would be to move it farther out, so it would be higher relative to the stair treads. Dunno what code would say, but likely getting it anywhere above 6 feet would remove any practical hazard.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
Agreed. It is probably easy to change the bulb where it is now though. Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
Other possible is that the fixture may not be listed for use in that orientation.
Pretty goofy installation, both from a practical and an aesthetic basis.
Somehow, if I was trying to light a stairway, I don't think I would consider placing the light fixture four feet above the stair treads and within the walkway area.
Maybe it's just me.......
Jim Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Because you could smash your head into it, cut your eyes and face to shreds on the glass, and get electrocuted? Just thinking out loud.
violates the min. width of the stairway?
But if he's worried about code, what about the stair rail???
The rail was probably legal at the time it was installed.The light probably should have a guard. No great hazard the way it is, but possibly not code.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
>probably legal at the time it was installed<
and so might've been the light so why even wory about it at all then
Handrail standards have changed several times in the past 10-15 years, while electrical code for issues such as this have not.Beyond that, there's a slight practical/safety issue with the light at what appears to be shoulder height.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
Because of the glass - globe or lamp. For a stair application both would have to be safety glass, I suppose. The electrical fixture may also not be allowed. Also maybe no obstructions are allowed w/ in the stair walking area ... it sticks out past the handrail.
How awkward a location for a light fixture. If this was a part of your remodel, have them change it ... check w/ the BO, maybe?
Ok, so it MAY be illegal. I was hoping for better ammo than that when he talks to the contractor, but regardless, it shoud be moved. Not particularly safe, and certainly not a very nice aperance. The contractor should change it either way and not charge for moving it, IMO.
Thanks,
Erik
OK, I didn't get from your original post that this was a new light. I assumed it was existing, and likely HO installed. Certainly if it's a new "professional" installation something different should be done.
As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
Technically he should have got a permit anyway ... his responsibility. If the BO says it's OK, then it is. If not, the guy should change it ... on his dime. He probably did it cheap/fast since he didn't have a permit. He shouldn't cut corners.
Did he bid the job or was it T&M?
My question to the general contractor ... did the guy get a permit to do his work? Maybe the general didn't need a permit for his work, but his sub did. Ultimately it comes back onto the general.
The contractor should change it either way and not charge for moving it, IMO.
Presumeably, the contractor's price was based on installing the light in its current location. Had it been installed in a more reasonable location, it may have cost more. The contractor should be paid the difference. But, good luck figuring out what that difference might be.
His price may have been at the current location, but if it ain't code, he shouldn't have given that price knowing there was a chance that he might have to move it. To intentionally bid w/out compliance and then collect additional for doing more work is not the way to bid.
To intentionally bid w/out compliance and then collect additional for doing more work is not the way to bid.
Good point. I was imagining a scenario where the HO specified where it should go, but that doesn't invalidate your point.
There may be a building code violation (stairway obstruction sort of thing) but I can't think of any way this violates the electrical code.
I don't even believe there is a problem with the listing. This type of lamp holder can be installed on the wall but it usually would have a different globe, typically the round ball. That would make the stairway problem worse.
It's not the NEC - it's the building code in that it reduces the required egress width for the stair below the minimum.
Move the light above 6'-8" and it's legal (if you can).
Jeff
Want to remember that one of the applicable codes says to provide some uniform amount of light at both the head and foot of the stairs.
Which makes me wonder if this is 3p switched, and the original actor could not figure out how to have two fixtures and two switches.
Ohter than that, it would seem to pass as it is not a bare lamp, which is a violation in a number of locations now.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
If that fixture is glass, then it may be more than egress width that is the code requirement. Just like having safety glass near a stair, a glass light fixture may be no different (I surmise).