electrical code questions
Hello,
I have the following electrical code questions. My area
uses the 1999 NEC.
1) does the primary light fixture in the kitchen have to
be energy efficient? if it does, what IS an energy efficient
fixture?
2) do all closets have to have lights? can these lights
be a pull chain light or do they have to have a switch?
(I already know they have to be covered, and away
from the shelf.)
3) can the dishwasher and garbage disposal be on
the same circuit? if so, should this be 15 amp or 20 amp?
4) I have a vestibule in front of my pantry and half bath,
does this need outlets on it’s walls? (2 of 3 walls longer
than 2′) or does it count as a hall, not requiring any
outlets?
5) does bathroom fan and light have to turn on with the
same switch?
thanks!
1) The NEC is concerned about safety, not about energy efficiency. You as a homeowner should probably be concerned about efficiency, because it directly effects your wallet but that is a personal matter.
2) There is no code requirement for lights in a closet.
3) This is an area of contention. The AHJ might say yes and might say they can be on the same circuit. It may depend on whether they come with cord and plug assemblies or not. If on the same circuit, I would certainly make it 20 amp circuit.
4) This is another contentious issue. How large is this vestibule? Does this area have a light? What do you intend to use it for? I would probably put an outlet there rather than have to run one later.
5) No. However, do keep in mind the other rules for bathrooms. This includes a dedicated 20 amp circuit for each bathroom (GFCI protected outlets), or a 20 amp circuit that feed the outlets only in all the bathrooms (again, GFCI protected outlets).
