commercial codes

[Kerry]

I know in the building codes for residential there is a certain number of outlets required every so many feet. What about in commercial and how high do they have to be off the floor?

[Ron]

The residential receptacle requirement is found in the National Electric Code.
There are very few requirements for receptacles in a commercial installation, as the code assumes that there will be a design professional involved to locate them. Some of the few commercial requirements include within 25' of HVAC equipment and at the top of a retail show window. Technically no receptacles required in an office, bathroom, etc for commercial.
The code is minimum requirements for safety, not a design guide.

[mdshunk]

As far as height off the floor goes, the ADA would be the only code that addresses this. The lowest you could mount a receptacle would be 15" off the floor.

[Ron]

Out of curiosity, can an AHJ require compliance with ADA? ADA is not a code, but a Federal Standard.

[mdshunk]

The ADA is enforced supposedly by the Department of Justice, but most of the enoforcement has been of a reactive nature by the EEOC (if you have employees). The DOT, the FCC, and Dept. of Ed. also have enforcement roles. I'm not sure that any local AHJ's actually enforce the ADA, but you could be opening yourself up to a lawsuit (I would think) if you did any new work in a public building or business with employees if you didn't address some of the ADA requirements.



To meet the goals of the ADA, the law established requirements for businesses of all sizes. These requirements went into effect on January 26, 1992. Businesses that serve the public must modify policies and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities; comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities; remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable; and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to ensure effective communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech impairments. All businesses, even those that do not serve the public, must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities.

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Sec.36.102 Application.

(a) General. This part applies to any --

(1) Public accommodation;

(2) Commercial facility; or

(3) Private entity that offers examinations or courses related to applications, licensing, certification, or credentialing for secondary or postsecondary education, professional, or trade purposes.

(b) Public accommodations. (1) The requirements of this part applicable to public accommodations are set forth insubparts B, C, and D of this part.

(2) The requirements of subparts B and C of this part obligate a public accommodation only with respect to the operations of a place of public accommodation.

(3) The requirements of subpart D of this part obligate a public accommodation only with respect to --

(i) A facility used as, or designed or constructed for use as, a place of public accommodation; or

(ii) A facility used as, or designed and constructed for use as, a commercial facility.

(c) Commercial facilities. The requirements of this part applicable to commercial facilities are set forth in subpart D of this part.

(d) Examinations and courses. The requirements of this part applicable to private entities that offer examinations or courses as specified in paragraph (a) of this section are set forth in Sec.36.309.

(e) Exemptions and exclusions. This part does not apply to any private club (except to the extent that the facilities of the private club are made available to customers or patrons of a place of public accommodation), or to any religious entity or public entity.

[Wgoodrich]

Federal laws overrule state and local laws if conflict. Many states also introduce state laws referring to the ADA making it an AHJ authority involved.

Depends on laws and who adopts what in what state.

Wg