Definition of Indoors vs Outdoors 1

[CuriousElectron]

Greetings,

Is there a standard out there(NFPA?) that defines what is outdoors and what is indoors. For example, I've got a 3 wall enclosure; for equipment that is located in this enclosure, would it be considered located outdoors(not in a building), since the equipment is not encased by 4 walls but is installed in enclosure that has an opening to the athmosphere?

Thanks,
EE

 

[r13]

Items placed outside of the building envelop is considered "outdoor", no matter it has enclosure or not. It is "enclosed", either 3 sides, or 4 sides with enclosure walls. It is fully enclosed in an enclosure, when it has 4 walls with a lid.

 

[gerhardl]

I believe the definition above from retired13 will work well all over the world, and certainly in Europe.

Outdoors is outdoors.

If the outdoor placement requires any enclosure (or has any similar protection), technical requirements for the product and enclosure must be an added specification, both for inquiry, offer and general documentation.

 

[bridgebuster]

I think it would be outdoors but that's my opinion. I looked in ASCE 7 and IBC but there's no definition. I found this in IBC

which could be interpreted that a "missing" wall makes it outdoors, or maybe a missing wall is an "other" opening to the outdoors.

Maybe Ron will weigh in on this; he probably knows of some code that defines it.

 

[gerhardl]

Try to post this question in the Forum 'Translation Assistance for Engineers' (?) - it would be interesting to have a broader discussion of the theme.

 

[r13]

A building without wall, or lack of wall is un-inhabitable. It can be seen as a shade open to ambience, thus, I would say it is "outdoor" - partially enclosed.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

I'd say outdoor. It may be protected from rain, but not condensation, humidity changes, etc.

My glass has a v/c ratio of 0.5

Maybe the tyranny of Murphy is the penalty for hubris. -

http://xkcd.com/319/

 

[phamENG]

From a structural perspective, I agree with outdoor because it's outside of the building envelope - or, rather, it isn't inside of a building envelope because there is no envelope. That's important because temperature and humidity have as much or more to do with structural degradation than direct exposure to weather in many cases.

I see you're an electrical engineer, so it may be a little different in your case as electrical equipment is a bit more nuanced in its specifications and applications. It's under cover and not exposed to direct sunlight or rain. You'd probably be ok using GFCI outlets for "damp" locations that are not suitable for being "wet" or used in "outdoor" applications. A sensitive VFD cabinet or PLC, however, may need a seal on the door in a water-tight/weatherproof enclosure.

 

[epoxybot]

I think you have to consider it outdoors. If it were lighting or a ceiling fan, it would have to be at the least Damp Rated. These are elements that are above the floor. If the equipment is to rise from the floor, then you probably have to consider Wet Rated as the criteria.

 

[GeoEnvGuy]

There may be local jurisdictional regulations related to health and safety or building code.

The short version of my opinion. Indoors are designed to be habited by humans, requires plumbing and heating. Confined spaces are areas not intended to be habited by humans full time and can accumulate gases.

 

[wannabeSE]

If definitions for electrical equipment exposures is needed, it is better to ask electrical engineers. If it is mechanical equipment, ask mechanical engineers. Not my area of practice, but I think the National Electric Code defines wet, damp, and dry locations. For electrical box (enclosure) exposures, NEMA 250 is probably a good place to look since it defines the requirements for indoor and outdoor boxes (enclosures).

 

[CuriousElectron]

Thank you all for the replies!

 

[bridgebuster]

According to the book, they define indoor locations as "areas protected from exposure to weather". Outdoor locations as "locations exposed to weather."

 

[darthsoilsguy2]

Although it may be outdoor, a fire marshall or building inspector can still take jurisdiction over the space. (wasn't your question, but worth saying.)