Air Handlers & Romex

[eddycurrents]

Im working on an existing 20 unit apartment complex. Each aptartment is getting a new air handler unit. The A/C guys are installing them above the ceiling in the hallways. The mechanical inspector came out and gave them a red tag saying that each space the air handlers were installed had to have all the holes in the surrounding sheet rock patched or filled. He also stated that my romex that was in the air handlers "space" had to be in conduit. He also said this is a commercial job and not a residential job and that this is a "new" code rule. My inspection isnt until tommorow morning. Do you think the electrical inspector is going to say the same thing as the mechanical inspetor ? I couldnt find anything in the code that says I have to put my romex in conduit. Thanks for any help, Brian.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

Perhaps the inspector is citing a plenum violation?

If so, the electrical inspector may not catch it, but it will have to be addressed.

See 300.22

[ December 22, 2003, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: ryan_618 ]

 

[speedypetey]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

FIrst off I wouldn't consider it a "commercial"job. It's a multi-family dwelling job.
If he is wanting the rock patched and filled are they using the open space as a plenum?
If so he has a point. Are these replacements? Maybe they are converting the air space to plenum.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

Have never heard of a multi family being called com..I think i would get that issue solved now as it effects what you need or don't need in the apartments.

 

[eddycurrents]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

I read 300.22, looks like Im going to have to sleave all my romex in flex.

[ December 23, 2003, 12:49 AM: Message edited by: eddycurrents ]

 

[hurk27]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

As far as the sheetrock goes it could be classifide as a fire wall. but as for the romex? It just might be a local code for rental units. Condos I don't think it would fly.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

Considering the fact that the mechanical inspector is the one bringing it up, I would be willing to bet that it is a plenum, not a fire resistance rated assembly, although it could be both. I don't see where the fire rating is relevant, though.

 

[earlydean]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

Where your NM goes through the wall is called a "penetration" of a fire rated assembly. 300.21 now requires such installations to be firestopped using approved methods. What the inspector is telling you is that sleeving the NM through the wall in conduit is acceptable to him for maintaining the fire rating of the wall. There are other, more expensive, ways of achieving compliance you may pursue if you wish.

 

[eprice]

Re: Air Handlers & Romex

I think there are two issues here. Most likely the corridor walls are required to be fire rated. I am assuming the ceiling above which the air handlers are located is a suspended ceiling with no fire rating and the rated wall extend up to the structural ceiling above, therefore any penetrations of the corridor wall are penetrations of a rated assembly and need to be firestopped. This would include any wiring penetrating those walls. As for the use of NM in the air handler spaces, I'm with Ryan in betting this is a plenum issue and 300.22(C) is the applicable section.