Receptacle Requirement

[Al G]

A house question - I had a concealment inspection on my basement yesterday. The inspector asked what I was going to do with a 4" steel column. I told we were either going to buy a prefab column cover or box it in with 1x after drywall and floor. We want to keep it as small as possible. He said if the total measurement around the column exceeds 24" an outlet is required. I asked to clarify thinking maybe he meant 24" on any side. He said 24" total. Thus a 6x6x6x6 column would require an outlet. I didn't push him for a reference yet because I don't want to make an enemy of him. I think I can stay under 24" but has anyone heard of this requirement before? It just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Morrison]

You can probably stay under his 24" rule. If not leave the beam alone till after his final inspection, then cover it how every you want.

 

[rockwithjason]

The code is that any wall space longer than 24 in in the horizontal must have a receptacle. In this case if the column is round and more than 24 in circumference then the inspector is correct. With a square column i would have to look closer at the code and see what it says. If there is a receptacle within 6ft of the column he may let you slide on this. What edition of the code is your area using?

 

[Tdubyac]

There is a requirement for an outlet on any wall wider then 2 feet in length. I would do like Morrison suggested and just leave it alone until after inspection.

 

[Al G]

The code is that any wall space longer than 24 in in the horizontal must have a receptacle. In this case if the column is round and more than 24 in circumference then the inspector is correct. With a square column i would have to look closer at the code and see what it says. If there is a receptacle within 6ft of the column he may let you slide on this. What edition of the code is your area using?

I knew about the 24" requirement but thought that meant a single surface. I can put a table against a 24" wall. I can't put a table against a 24" circumference.

I believe we are on the 2011 code. I know it is not the 2014 code.

 

[Speedy Petey]

While yes, this is the letter of the code, for him to enforce requiring a receptacle on a 6x6x6x6 column is ABSURD! It definitely could be argued that this is not "wall" space since wall spaces are clearly defined in the code.
I wouldn't call a column a fixed panel, a railing or room divider.

210.52(A)(2) Wall Space.

As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings

 

[pattenp]

While yes, this is the letter of the code, for him to enforce requiring a receptacle on a 6x6x6x6 column is ABSURD! It definitely could be argued that this is not "wall" space since wall spaces are clearly defined in the code.
I wouldn't call a column a fixed panel, a railing or room divider.

Quote:
210.52(A)(2) Wall Space.

As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following:

(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces, and fixed cabinets

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings

I think the code does say the column would be considered as wall space based on how (1) is written.

 

[nehog]

I think the code does say the column would be considered as wall space based on how (1) is written.

My interpretation of this (and of course I know I'm right! ) is that it is 24" the maximum distance from a given point. So if it is a 6x6x6x6 column, the furthest would be 6+6 (or 12 for those who don't want to do the math), since once you exceed that you're closer going the other way around. Code says distance to an outlet, it doesn't say how or what path one takes.

However trying to convince an inspector that I'm right will be difficult.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Do you have enough room to put an outlet on the column? If so, put one there. In the future you'll probably be surprised that you use it often!

 

[Speedy Petey]

I think the code does say the column would be considered as wall space based on how (1) is written.

That is why some things are open to interpretation. IMO a simple column is NOT "wall space" or a room divider, or anything similar.

This is also how some inspectors can be on power trips. They think their interpretation is the only valid one. If this were me and an inspector demanded a receptacle on a 6'sq column I'd fight it to the highest level based simply on the absurdity of the demand.

 

[Speedy Petey]

My interpretation of this (and of course I know I'm right! ) is that it is 24" the maximum distance from a given point. So if it is a 6x6x6x6 column, the furthest would be 6+6 (or 12 for those who don't want to do the math), since once you exceed that you're closer going the other way around. Code says distance to an outlet, it doesn't say how or what path one takes.

However trying to convince an inspector that I'm right will be difficult.

Unfortunately you definitely are wrong in this. The 24" number is the minimum space requiring a receptacle. Not the minimum distance to a receptacle to a given point. This space is not written the same way the 6' space rule is.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

That is why some things are open to interpretation. IMO a simple column is NOT "wall space" or a room divider, or anything similar.

This is also how some inspectors can be on power trips. They think their interpretation is the only valid one. If this were me and an inspector demanded a receptacle on a 6'sq column I'd fight it to the highest level based simply on the absurdity of the demand.

 

[James-W]

Do you have enough room to put an outlet on the column? If so, put one there. In the future you'll probably be surprised that you use it often!

I agree, if there is room to put in the outlet, then do it. I am a firm believer in principles and "what's right is right", but the thing is, some fights are just not worth fighting. Besides, as you suggested, he will probably end up using the outlet a lot more than he thinks he will anyway.

 

[Speedy Petey]

I agree, if there is room to put in the outlet, then do it. I am a firm believer in principles and "what's right is right", but the thing is, some fights are just not worth fighting. Besides, as you suggested, he will probably end up using the outlet a lot more than he thinks he will anyway.

Thing is, if the column is 6x6 and is hiding a 4" lally column, how much room do think actually exists to install a receptacle box?? Nearly none is the answer.

Now he'd have to modify the whole column to be at least 6x8 just to accommodate the receptacle. Some fights ARE worth fighting.

 

[KenC]

either put in a recpt, or reduce the size. 5.75 sq would work!

 

[Zeke]

I'd like to see what the dude says when he sees a 6" square steel column. Or if the OP 'boxed' it in with steel.

 

[Radix2]

... I don't want to make an enemy of him. .

With friends like this - who needs enemies ?

 

[Al G]

As some have said, I don't want to make the column larger just to fit a receptacle. Given where the column is we want to keep it as small as possible. There is no way I would ever use an outlet in that location.

My plan is to box it in with 1x after ceiling and floor are finished. If I keep the boards tight to the steel column I'll end up with 5.5" sides. I just hope he doesn't measure at baseboard level. Who knows what might happen to that column after the inspection.

 

[volleyball]

If you want the column small, why not just wrap it. Apply slats directly to the column or a band around it.

 

[nehog]

Unfortunately you definitely are wrong in this. The 24" number is the minimum space requiring a receptacle. Not the minimum distance to a receptacle to a given point. This space is not written the same way the 6' space rule is.

but I gave it a good try!