Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: sfav8r, Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Asked on: Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:58 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:41 am EDT
Question: I'd like peoples opinions on this. We just did an overhead rewire. As the picture shows, there is a balcony outside of a window on this home. The only access to the balcony is if you crawl out the window and the balcony is only 12 inches deep. It's basically to set plants on. We reused the existing conduit which is in the wall. It exits the face of the building at a point that is 8-1/2 feet above the balcony and 6" to the left of the balcony so it is not OVER the balcony at any point. The inspector failed the inspection because he says there has to be 10' of clearance above the balcony. I feel this is a bad call for several reasons.1) 230.24(B)(1) says that the clearance must be 10' for the portion of wire that is over the balcony. Since there is no part of the wire over the balcony I don't see the problem.2) What is the real-world risk here? A person is going to climb out the window, climb up on the railing and grab the wires? They can't even use a ladder because the balcony being only 12" deep wouldn't allow you to lean the ladder at a good enough angle to climb on it.FYI the wire that crosses over the balcony is the CATV wire. The service drop is next to the down spout and enters opposite the balcony. The 1/2 EMT is being held up just as a reference so you can see how the balcony lines up with the service drop.What do you think? I plan to speak directly to the inspector and ask him to reconsider (one of my guys was there for the inspection) and if he still feels it's a reasonable call I run it by his boss. I'm just curious if most of you agree that the world won't be a better place if we raise this.Thanks
Inspector's Interpretation
The inspector's interpretation is based on the following code provision:> 230.24(B)(1) Conductors above roofs and balconies shall be not less than 10 ft above walkways or standing surfaces, except that conductors above balconies not accessible to the general public need have only 3 ft clearance.Since the balcony is accessible (albeit through a window), the inspector argues that the 10 ft clearance rule applies.
Your Argument
You argue that the code provision only applies to conductors that are "over the balcony." Since your conduit exits the wall to the left of the balcony and is not over it at any point, you believe the 10 ft clearance requirement is not applicable.
Industry Opinions
Industry opinions on this issue may vary. Some electricians may agree with the inspector's interpretation, while others may support your argument.
Possible Outcomes The inspector may agree with your interpretation and pass the inspection. The inspector may stand firm on their decision and you may need to run the issue up the chain of command.* You may decide to raise the conduit to meet the 10 ft clearance requirement, even though you believe it is not necessary.
Recommendation
You should speak directly to the inspector and present your argument. Explain that the conduit does not cross over the balcony at any point and that the balcony is not accessible to the general public. If the inspector is still not convinced, request a meeting with their supervisor.Ultimately, it is up to the inspector's discretion whether to pass the inspection. However, by presenting a well-reasoned argument, you may be able to convince them to reconsider their decision. Flag for review