This definition was new for the 2020 NEC. This term has been used in the NEC but changes in Article 404, Switches, raised the attention that a definition in the NEC could be a good thing to bring clarity to Code. Clarity can help increase electrical safety. This definition was a response to a change made during the 2017 version of the NEC to Section 404.2(C). The term habitable room has been used in the NEC for many years. This change just eliminates a step of jumping to the building code for a definition and brings clarity to the NEC.
A room in a building that is considered habitable is one that is used in general for any of the following
- living
- sleeping
- eating
- cooking
A habitable room does not include the following:
- bathrooms
- toilet rooms
- closets
- hallways
- storage or utility spaces
- similar areas to those listed above
Related section of NFPA 70 include the following:
- 210.8(A) Dwelling Units
- 210.70(A)(1) Habitable Rooms, Kitchents, Laundry Areas, and Bathrooms
- 210.70(B) Guest Rooms or Guest Suites
- 220.5(C) Floor Areas
- 300.22(C) Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums)
- 314.27(C) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets
- 404.2(C) Switch Controlling Lighting Outelts
- 690.31(G) Over 1000 Volts DC