A Question for Inspectors
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Re: A Question for Inspectors
314-20 Requires the front edge of the box to be flush with the finished surface of combustible surfaces. I allow the use of "fire rings" when the box or plaster ring is less than flush. I will also note that type x drywall is not considered to be a combustible material.
314-20 Requires the front edge of the box to be flush with the finished surface of combustible surfaces. I allow the use of "fire rings" when the box or plaster ring is less than flush. I will also note that type x drywall is not considered to be a combustible material.
Re: A Question for Inspectors
Note the change of wording from the 1999 NEC 370.20, and the 2002, 314.20.
I have posted statements on almost all internet forums, protesting the interpretation that a sheetrock covered wall makes the wall non-combustible. I also wrote many letters to the code officials. I asked for proof that a wood constructed wall is not combustible.
Now the words have changed to allow 1/4 setback in a sheetrock wall. This is a corruption of the original intent of 370.20. Walls constructed of concrete and or tile are non-combustible. The tile in this usage is a building tile that is no longer available. This tile was similar to a concrete block, but was made with clay.
All of this was before sheetrock was on the market.
My protests may have been responsible for the change in wording, which is exactly what I did not want. The change to add the word "surface" is due to UL calling a sheetrock covered wall a fire resistant panel. I asked UL which direction they ran the heat tests, the response was "from the outside" I informed them "the fires start inside".
Another point is a receptacle box with 1/4 inch setback and the 1/8 inch gap allowed, leaves no surface for firmly mounting the device.
Note the change of wording from the 1999 NEC 370.20, and the 2002, 314.20.
I have posted statements on almost all internet forums, protesting the interpretation that a sheetrock covered wall makes the wall non-combustible. I also wrote many letters to the code officials. I asked for proof that a wood constructed wall is not combustible.
Now the words have changed to allow 1/4 setback in a sheetrock wall. This is a corruption of the original intent of 370.20. Walls constructed of concrete and or tile are non-combustible. The tile in this usage is a building tile that is no longer available. This tile was similar to a concrete block, but was made with clay.
All of this was before sheetrock was on the market.
My protests may have been responsible for the change in wording, which is exactly what I did not want. The change to add the word "surface" is due to UL calling a sheetrock covered wall a fire resistant panel. I asked UL which direction they ran the heat tests, the response was "from the outside" I informed them "the fires start inside".
Another point is a receptacle box with 1/4 inch setback and the 1/8 inch gap allowed, leaves no surface for firmly mounting the device.
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
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- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
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- ESI, PI, RBO
Re: A Question for Inspectors
Bennie
A properly bonded wall is not combustible. To be safe use a 4awg copper as a heat sink.
Mike P.
Bennie
A properly bonded wall is not combustible. To be safe use a 4awg copper as a heat sink.
Mike P.
Re: A Question for Inspectors
Rusty,
Drywall Rings are supposed to be flush in combustible walls and within 1/4 inch of non-combustible walls. The electrician is expected to do this in new construction. I allow the plastic box extentions that are UL approved on existing work as long as an equipment ground wire is installed from the metal box to the device. By the way, the metel box extentions that everyone uses are not UL approved and I will not accept them. The equipment ground to the devices must be sized according to 250.122. Number 14 equipment ground wire for 14 gage branch circuit wiring, 12 for 12 gage ectera.
Rusty,
Drywall Rings are supposed to be flush in combustible walls and within 1/4 inch of non-combustible walls. The electrician is expected to do this in new construction. I allow the plastic box extentions that are UL approved on existing work as long as an equipment ground wire is installed from the metal box to the device. By the way, the metel box extentions that everyone uses are not UL approved and I will not accept them. The equipment ground to the devices must be sized according to 250.122. Number 14 equipment ground wire for 14 gage branch circuit wiring, 12 for 12 gage ectera.
Re: A Question for Inspectors
I appreciate the reply's; I have run into a lot of wood finishes -Cedar siding, Log siding as well as Kitchen cabinets and have been installing the "Fire Rings"; What I find troubling is that when a 3/0 round plastic new work box is used and the round fire ring is to be installed, you need to cut the fire ring to make it fit; My feeling is that if it has to be cut, would that void the UL listing? you also need to fabricate a fire ring for an installation for more than a 2 gang box; Has anyone else run into this or have any suggestions?
I appreciate the reply's; I have run into a lot of wood finishes -Cedar siding, Log siding as well as Kitchen cabinets and have been installing the "Fire Rings"; What I find troubling is that when a 3/0 round plastic new work box is used and the round fire ring is to be installed, you need to cut the fire ring to make it fit; My feeling is that if it has to be cut, would that void the UL listing? you also need to fabricate a fire ring for an installation for more than a 2 gang box; Has anyone else run into this or have any suggestions?
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