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Thursday, April 6, 2023
Question:
Hello Code Friends, I have followed CQD for years and makes for a great start of the day. My question is about 220.42 (2023). Table 220.42(A) has a non-dwelling lighting load for a workshop with 1.7 VA per sq ft. There is no definition for "workshop" in the
NEC®. I am trying to understand the difference between a "workshop" and " manufacturing facility." Can you provide a clarification as it appears workshop would be very difficult to determine and for an inspector to enforce. Please keep up the great work of CQD and getting the information out there to the world. Respectfully, James
A
Answer:
Hi James and thank you for your kind words. When terms are not defined in NEC® Article 100, there are a couple of options available to obtain a definition. If the definition is technical, another Code or Standard may provide a definition, i.e., the International Building Code (IBC). Additionally, Section 2.3.1.3.1 of the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents, provides guidance on when a term is not defined in a NFPA Code or Standards, pointing to the use of Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition as a source for the ordinarily accepted meaning of a term.
Unfortunately, the term “Workshop” is not defined in the NEC® or IBC.
Workshop is defined in the Websters Colligate Dictionary as:
a small establishment where manufacturing or handicrafts are carried on. Hope this helps.