ELECTRICAL CODE INTERPRETATION
700 N. TRYON STREET CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
(704) 336-2831
SUBJECT: Light and Outlet on the same circuits as the furnace
CODE REFERENCE: 422-7 Circuit Requirement & 210-70 Lighting Outlets Required
SUBMITTED BY: Committee
EFFECTIVE DATE: November 17, 1998
PROBLEM: 422-7 Central Heating Equipment. Central heating equipment other than fixed
electric space-heating equipment shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit.
Exception: Auxiliary equipment such as a pump, valve, humidifier, or electrostatic air cleaner
directly associated with the heating equipment shall be permitted to be connected to the same
branch circuit.
210-70. Lighting Outlets Required. At least one lighting outlet controlled by a light switch
located at the point of entry to the attic, under floor space, utility room, and basement shall be
installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. The
lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.
ELECTRICAL CODE INTERPRETATION
700 N. TRYON STREET CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
(704) 336-2831
(c) Other Locations. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed at or
near equipment requiring servicing such as heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration
equipment in attics or under floor spaces. The wall switch shall be located at the point of entry
to the attic or under floor space.
SOLUTION: Service lights and receptacles are not required for replacement of like for like
change outs only. Gas pack to split system, new installations, new circuits to existing furnaces,
and etc. will require service lights and GFCI receptacles to be installed at the unit. The switch
for the light is required at the access entrance of the attic or crawl space. On existing dwellings
if a new circuit is pulled for the furnace it shall be permissible to install the required GFCI
receptacle and light on the new furnace circuit.
SOLVED BY: CONSISTENCY TEAM - GERALD HARVELL - PAUL REED - TERRY McCLURE ANGIE MILLER - GERALD BARNES - MATT KING – JULIAN BURNS – JIM LONG – JOHN
WEST
APPROVED BY: GERALD HARVELL ELECTRICAL CPM