Distance form the attic access

bhartley · May 28, 2009, 12:47am

What is the distance that - furnace flue pipes, HAVC, wiring etc. etc. should be located from the attic access?

Thanks!

bkelly2 · May 28, 2009, 1:30am

20 ft (03 irc m1305.1.3)

mboyett · May 28, 2009, 1:48am

Say what???

bkelly2 · May 28, 2009, 1:51am

Maybe I read the question wrong Michael.

The mechanical equipment should have a deck provided from the access not longer then 20 ft.

mboyett · May 28, 2009, 1:52am

There ya go!

The 22x30 min access should have at least a 22" wide & 30" high clear, unobstructed <20’ passage to the equipment.

bkelly2 · May 28, 2009, 2:01am

20 ft (03 irc m1305.1.3)

Now if we only knew what it is that Buck wants to know???

mboyett · May 28, 2009, 2:04am

Well, he did say that HVAC equipment was in the attic. If not, then the 2006 IRC says this, pertaining to attic access only:

R807.1 Attic access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or
roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic
areas that exceed 30 square feet (2.8 m2) and have a vertical
height of 30 inches (762 mm) or more.
The rough-framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches
by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a
hallway or other readily accessible location. A 30-inch (762
mm) minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall
be provided at some point above the access opening. See Section
M1305.1.3 for access requirements where mechanical
equipment is located in attics.
The requirement for an attic access is predicated on
the likelihood that during the life of the structure, access
to an attic space for repair of piping, electrical and
mechanical systems will be required.

Also, there is a specified distance for wiring from the access unless it is otherwise protected. I can’t find the exact reference but I think it’s 24" isn’t it?

bkelly2 · May 28, 2009, 2:24am

Needs to be protected within 6’

e3702.2.1

mboyett · May 28, 2009, 3:17am

6’ it is then…thanks!

bhartley · May 28, 2009, 9:33am

Thanks! I am talking the distance of HVAC ductwork, plumbing vents.

mboyett · May 28, 2009, 11:04am

The way I see it is that as long as there is a minimum 22" wide x 30" high unobstructed “virtual tunnel” from the scuttle access to the equipment <20’ away then it meets the requirement. Those dimensions could be larger if the existing equipment so dictated. So, three sides of, or directions away from, the scuttle access hole could have obstructions right up to, but not infringing into, that virtual tunnel. I fully admit my view is debatable though.

lfoster · May 28, 2009, 5:27pm

OK guys, the referenced e2702.2.1

within 7 feet of … in attics provided with access, protect by guard strips.
where such spaces are not provided with access by permanenet stairs or ladders, protection within 6 feet of the nearest edge of attic entrance.

I learn something everyday — hehehe

Mark_Thorman · May 28, 2009, 9:28pm

Note that this only applies to wires “across structural members”.

e3702.2.2 Where cables are installed parallel to the sides of rafters, studs or floor joists, guard strips and running boards shall not be required.

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