Article 100 Definitions. Show Window.
Code Change Summary: The definition of a “Show Window” has been revised to include windows above the door.
A show window is the area at the front of a store for displaying merchandise. The code change to the definition makes it clear that the show window also includes the area above the door.
The reason this is important is because the NEC® has specific rules for show windows:
- Section 210.62 requires at least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-amp receptacle to be installed within 18 in. of the top of a show window for each 12 linear ft. or major fraction thereof of show window area measured horizontally at its maximum width.
- Section 220.14(G) requires an allowance of 200 volt-amperes per linear foot of show window to be used when calculating the branch circuit load for the show window.
- Section 220.43(A) requires an allowance of 200 volt-amperes per linear foot of show window to be used when determining the overall load from the show window circuits on the feeder or service.
This code change will eliminate the confusion about the area over the door when calculating the measurements of show windows.
Below is a preview of Article 100. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2014 Code Language:
Show Window: Any window used or designed to be used for the display of goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than the street floor level.
2017 Code Language:
Show Window: Any window, including windows above doors, used or designed to be used for the display of goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than the street floor level. (CMP-2)