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Friday, April 22, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Tuesday, April 12, 2016 -Cord Reel in Commercial Garage
In regards to the April 11 Code Question concerning cord reels in commercial garages, the question did not address whether this was a garage dispensing fuel, performing major or minor repairs or if it contained a pit. If the cord reel is within 18 in. of the ceiling area and lighter than air fueled vehicles are repaired (natural gas or hydrogen), then the cord reels themselves would be in a classified zone. A better design would be to provide the proper mechanical ventilation as indicated in Article 511. The floor area and the ceiling is then defines as unclassified and the cord reels are permitted from the ceiling down to the floor. NEC 511.3
Regards, Mike Cahill, PE
A
Answer:
Hey Mike thanks for your comment. The original submitter stated that a "commercial garage was classified as Class 1 Div. 2- up to 18” off the floor" so that would not be appropriate for lighter than air materials. Ventilation was not mentioned so I didn't assume that was part of the question but could be used to change the classification. Once the area is classified 511.4 applies for both types of commercial garages.