Abandoned dumbwaiter use for wiring

[tonype]

Old dumbwaiter shaft used for wiring - see three photos. Many wires generally poorly supported. Dumbwaiter door on 2nd floor (3 floor apartment building) can be easily opened (long way down - another story in itself - though I guess that the wires could be used to grab on and break the fall).

Anyway, are there any code type issues with respect to general use of dumbwaiter shaft for wiring?

Thanks,
Tony
Photobucket Photo bucket Photobucket

 

[Matt Harp]

Re: Abandoned dumbwaiter use for wiring

334.30(B)(1)
Nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be permitted to be unsupported where the cable is fished between access points through concealed spaces in finished buildings or structures and supporting is impracticable.

330.30(D)(1)
This reads the same as above with MC substituted for Nonmetallic sheathed.

I would suggest that you secure the cables at any point you can gain access without ripping out walls or structure.

Last, I do not know if it is or where it would be in the NEC, but I believe you have some firestop issues there. Not sure where you are, but here in Louisville, KY. the BUILDING inspector or fire marshal, not the electrical inspector, would probably red tag this install unless all penetrations into this shaft are firestopped. You would have to do it from the non shaft side of the hole and let the firestop cure before handling the cables much.

Good luck, hope this helps.

 

[tonype]

Re: Abandoned dumbwaiter use for wiring

Matt:

This installation is in NJ - I guess than the dumbwaiter doors would, as a minimum, have to be replaced with rated doors?

Regards,
Tony

 

[allenwayne]

Re: Abandoned dumbwaiter use for wiring

This was a common install in NYC in the 70`s upgrade to what was known as adequate wiring.6 stories of weight would turn 6/3 MC into slinky.I always supported it but some just let it hang loose