Closet/Utility Area

[gbeichho]

I'm in Ontario, Canada.

I've just built a new closet/storage area off of my back hallway that measures about 7' x 19" deep. It has an opening that is 6' wide, and I've put hanging sliding doors to cover up the shelves. I'll be storing most of my tools in this space, and I want to put a recepticle inside (with a timer shutoff) so I can recharge all of my rechargeable tools.

From what I can tell according to the CEC, I can't put a recepticle in a closet, but I must put one in a utility area. It seems silly for my to have to put the recepticle (and timer) on the outside, and then run a power bar to the inside.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[joed]

Here is a link to the ESA FAQ site. I can find no reference to receptacles in closets being non code compliant.

http://www.esasafe.com/consumer/esafaqs.htm

[Homer]

CEC 26-710(i)

A receptacle shall not be placed in a cupboard, cabinet, or similar enclosure except where:

(i) The receptacle is an integral part of a factory-built enclosure; or

(ii) The receptacle is provided for use with a specific type of appliance that is intended for use within the enclosure; or

(iii) The receptacle is intended for use with a microwave oven;


Furthermore, paragraph (j) states that a receptacle install under (i) or (ii) above must be de-energized when the door is not fully open.

The question is then, is a closet a 'similar enclosure' as defined above'?

Homer

[joed]

I would not consider a closet to be a cabinet or cupboard.

[Homer]

I would not consider a closet to be a cabinet or cupboard.If a closet is not a 'similar enclosure' then there is nothing else that would prevent placing a receptacle in the closet.

However, P.S. Knight, a Canadian Electrical Inspector and author of 'Electrical Code Simplified', has the interpretation of CEC 26-710(i) that it includes closets.

Homer

[Mr Fixit eh]

I have the CSA book called Wiring for Canadian Homes and Cottages: A Guide to the CSA Canadian Electrical Code. It says, "According to the Code, some of the rooms and areas in a dwelling -- kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, laundry romms, utility rooms and closets -- are not considered to have finished walls and need not comply with the general requirements for the provision of duplex receptacles." But it doesn't talk about any prohibition, either.

It goes on to say, "In general, receptacles should not be placed in cupboards, cabinets, or similar enclosures in order to prevent the cord of an appliance from being damaged by someone trying to close a cupboard door on it, or to prevent a cooking or heating applicance from being plugged in and left on with the cupboard door closed, thus creating a severe fire hazard."

So, I guess one question to ask is: "Is there any chance of this re-charger (or any other device that might be plugged into the receptacle by a future homeowner) creating a fire hazard?"

In my humble opinion the in-closet receptacle would be less of a fire hazard than a powerbar/ extension cord arrangement to a plug outside the closet.

At the website there is a button called, "Ask an inspector." You can type in the particulars of your question and they will reply within a few days. When you get a reply do let us know what they say.

[gbeichho]

Now I that I understand the reasoning:

* The doors (hanging sliders) would not be able to damage a cord.
* The intended usage is for battery chargers which are quite different from cooking appliances, and the enclosed area is quite large so it's not like small cupboard or closet
* I wire my recharging station such that the recepticle is controled by a timer (similar to a hot tub timer) so that the batteries don't get overcharged (common problem). This should eliminate a fire hazard from a defective charger

I'm probably in more danger from leaving the rechargeable battery plugged into my tool (like a drill) because I've read numerous recall notices on cordless tool switches that can short out while not in use and cause a fire. I always unplug them now when stowing them away.

Also, I wired a recepticle in the hallway, so I would never have any reason to run an extension cord out of the closet in that area.

Mr Fixit, which Website has the Ask Inspector button?

[Mr Fixit eh]

At www.esasafe.com, click on "Public/Consumer", then choose "FAQ", then after you click to "Agree to Conditions" it'll bring you to a search dialogue box. From here you can click on "Ask a Question".

I've gone to the website several times today, and I've had problems with it both times today being non-responsive. They may be having problems with the website today.

Steve

[Tony Moscioni]

26-702(16) * Receptacles in closets

Question #1: Are receptacles permitted in clothes or storage closets?

Answer #1: No

Rationale #1: Rule 26-702(3) Except as otherwise provided for in this Code.... receptacles shall be installed ....... in every room or area, OTHER THAN ....... closets.

Rule 26-702(16) Receptacles shall not be placed in a cupboard, cabinet, or similar enclosure ..... with exceptions as listed.

The intent is to prevent an appliance being plugged into a receptacle in a clothes or storage closet and the door being closed on the cord; or an appliance (possibly a heating appliance), being left on in a clothes or storage closet in the presence of flammable materials.

Question #2: Does the Code permit a receptacle to be placed in a closet that is being converted to a computer workstation or an entertainment center?

Answer #2: Yes.

Rationale #2: Rule 26-702(16) Receptacles shall not be placed in a cupboard, cabinet, or similar enclosure except where ... (b) they are intended for use with a specific type of appliance that is intended for use within the enclosure.

This rule would permit installation of a receptacle(s) for the supply of specific appliances (computer, entertainment equipment, etc) which are located within an enclosure provided the closet is converted into a home office work station or entertainment center and any clothes hanger bars and linen shelves are removed.

Websters defines a closet as a small room or cupboard for clothes, household supplies, linens, etc. The space would no longer comply with this definition provided any clothes hanger bars and linen shelves are removed.

Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority

[Mr Fixit eh]

Thanks, Tony. This is great to have our own ESA expert on the forum!

So your explanation would imply that if this closet area is converted to a tool storage area and the clothes rod(s) removed, then the receptacle would be Ok because this is a special-use area now?

[joed]

That would be my interpretation.