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Thursday, November 30, 2023

Question:

Charlie, per the question from Monday about receptacles in an attic, the installation would not comply per Section 400.12(2). since it seems they would be running the power cord through the ceiling into the attic to the receptacle. Herbert Tomer
A

Answer:

Hi Herbert, thanks for your comments regarding the Q & A from Monday, October 16th :

Q: Hello Charlie, I want to mount a mesh wifi unit on my ceiling which would require adding an outlet to the ceiling as well. Above this ceiling is an unfinished attic crawl space. If I added an outlet here, the outlet box would be secured to a joist and covered only by some roll and blown-in fiberglass insulation. Would I need to cover the area above the outlet box with anything to protect it? Or would it be OK for the box to sit under insulation and nothing else? All the best, Jessica Weitzel

It looks like Jessica’s question was about installing a ceiling mounted receptacle and if the wiring method in the attic needs to be protected. However, your comments pose a good question. Is a receptacle permitted to be installed in an attic? The short answer is yes, a receptacle is permitted to be installed in an attic, but Section 400.12(2) does prohibit the installation of a cord that passes through a wall, doorway or ceiling.

 

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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