MC cable in grooves in a metal building

It is inside, and yes it would be simular to running under a metal roof. That would be the reason I would question it. The chances of someone attaching anything on the outside would be slim but I guess it would be possible
Thanks
 
Anything is possible. It's not allowed on roofs because roofers use those screws as big as your thumb and as long as your forearm everywhere.

On the walls I could make a case the MC is safer nestled in the corrugations because it's less likely to get snagged by something going on inside the building which is more likely to cause damage, than someone screwing something to the outside.
 
sparkync said:
It is inside, and yes it would be simular to running under a metal roof. That would be the reason I would question it. The chances of someone attaching anything on the outside would be slim but I guess it would be possible
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Possible but not prohibited to be installed in that location.
 
You could use bat-wings or similar to keep the cables against the beams and away from the outer skin.
 
As far as I know, yes you can run cables above the red iron in-between the robinson deck as long as nothing protrudes into that space. Per code, I believe you have to be 1.25 to 1.5 inch away from said object that penetrates the space!
 
Siding is much less likely to be replaced on a metal building. Roofs seem to have a lifespan of 25-30 years then often foam insulation is added with really long screws
 
What's the interior finish going to be if it's going to be open I see no issue if it's closed maybe this isn't the best location. If a pole building with wood framing remember you need to be 1 1/4 away from the finish and if they are just sideways 2by6 you won't have that apart from the 8by8 posts sections.
 
Thanks for the replies. Sorry I got tied up, and wasn't able to respond sooner. Again, the cables would be going "behind" the 2x2 steel support beams, and in the "grooves" of the siding behind the beams.
If done this way, it would make a tremendous difference in the amount of mc cable used, since the height of the walls are probably at least 10 or 12 feet before the cable can be run horizontal to the next "drop down", to an outlet.
Hope this clarifies it a little more. Mainly just looking for a "Code reference", if possible.
Thanks
 
It sounds like your asking if it can be "Free Aired" down to 1 location then ran to location 2? I dont see an issue with that. But then again, Im a S'low Voltage guy. :)
 
Doubt you will find anything definitive in the code. MC needs to be protected from physical damage. No two inspectors seem to give the same answer for what is subject to damage or not. The code provides some guidance for what is permitted, but those probably aren't going to help you.

It may be best to run it by your inspector first so you don't have to rip it all out.
 
This was done in Our Barndominium. Romex was ran in the living room ceiling between the purlins and the metal In the groves. It touched the bottom of the roof metal in Las Vegas heat. Made me to nervous and moved it. Not sure if it would have cause a problem or not??
 
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