R403.3.6 Air-Handling Units

Air-handling units shall not be installed in the attic when a home is brought into code compliance by Section R402. Air-handling units shall be allowed in attics for compliance by Section R405 only if the following conditions are met:

1. The service panel of the equipment is located within 6 feet (1829 mm) of an attic access.
2. A device is installed to alert the owner or shut down the unit when the condensation drain is not working properly.
3. The attic access opening is of sufficient size to replace the air handler.
4. A notice is posted on the electric service panel indicating to the homeowner that the air handler is located in the attic. Said notice shall be in all capitals, in 16-point type, with the title and first paragraph in bold:

NOTICE TO HOMEOWNER

A PART OF YOUR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM, THE AIR HANDLER, IS LOCATED IN THE ATTIC. FOR PROPER, EFFICIENT AND ECONOMIC OPERATION OF THE AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM, YOU MUST ENSURE THAT REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS PERFORMED. YOUR AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING: (1) A DEVICE THAT WILL ALERT YOU WHEN THE CONDENSATION DRAIN IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY OR (2) A DEVICE THAT WILL SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM WHEN THE CONDENSATION DRAIN IS NOT WORKING. TO LIMIT POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME, AND TO AVOID DISRUPTION OF SERVICE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ENSURE PROPER WORKING ORDER OF THESE DEVICES BEFORE EACH SEASON OF PEAK OPERATION.