Lighting in a crawl space
pioneerbuilders
| Posted in Building Code Questions on
I’m planning on installing a Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC, Smartflow 50-80-110 CFM exhaust fan in a conditioned, sealed crawl space to meet the ventilation requirements.
Due to this being an appliance (I think), I’m thinking a light is necessary. I was thinking of installing the lighted version of this fan – Panasonic WhisperCeiling DC Fan|Light, 50-80-110 CFM if light is necessary.
If a light is needed, would this meet code? Maybe this is an NEC question? Any thoughts or other ideas completely? Thank you to any who answer in advance.
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Replies
I'm not a code expert, but having to have a light on a fan seems nuts. I must not understand the situation. If you need light in the crawlspace, why not just install a regular LED bulb and put a light switch within reach of the crawlspace entrance?
You don’t need a light on the fan. It’s not an “appliance”. The NEC specifies a minimum lighting level for accessible spaces (which is really too low, IMHO), but there are many ways to meet that.
Personally, I’d put several light sockets around the crawl space and use LED bulbs in them. Put a switch near the crawl space entrance to let you turn all the lights on from there. Crawling around looking for the next pull chain to turn on a light isn’t fun, and when you’re tired and about to leave, realizing you forgot to turn off the most distant light isn’t fun either. Put in a regular light switch and thank yourself later.
Bill
Very much appreciate this. I'm a spec home builder, so the buyer would thank me later. Ha! By the way, not a typical spec builder.
But really, thank you so much. My thought was to have an all in one solution (fan/light combo), but your recommendation is minimally more money but by orders of magnitude better for the downstream user.
I truly appreciate your input.
Our code requires both that there be lights, and that because they are subject to mechanical damage that they be either enclosed in a fixture, or on flexible support. Most builders use these: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/leviton-rubber-pigtail-socket/1000105401
Malcolm, how do you support/wire that light into a box up there? I can see the rational behind the flexible light (especially since I’ve bashed my head into plenty of non-flexible lights :), but down here clamping and having that wire to the socket exposed in a location you can reach would be frowned upon. I’m curious if you have an elegant clamp arrangement that is common in CA but not in the US.
Bill
Bill,
I wouldn't call it elegant. We use a Romex strain relief in the centre of the metal cover plate with a pre-made rubber gasket.
The only problem I've heard of is that the socket is too deep for some brands of LED bulb.