boxes in fire rated walls
- Thread starter georgemus
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pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: boxes in fire rated walls
You can purchase some boxes that are designed for the fire rating, but those boxes may not meet the need for which you are wiring (such as size). Then you will have to add a batting or other listed/approved means to keep the AHJ satisfied.
Pierre
You can purchase some boxes that are designed for the fire rating, but those boxes may not meet the need for which you are wiring (such as size). Then you will have to add a batting or other listed/approved means to keep the AHJ satisfied.
Pierre
Re: boxes in fire rated walls
Along with Earl and Pierre's information here is some more courtesy of UL
Receptacles in Walls Separating Dwelling Units
Q. Walls separating dwelling units in the same building are required to meet the integrity provisions of fire partitions. What options are available for receptacle outlets on opposites sides of the wall separating these units when 24-inch horizontal separation is not feasible?
A. Listed single- and double-gang metallic outlet and switch boxes (QCIT) with metallic or nonmetallic cover plates on opposite sides of the wall may be separated by less than a horizontal distance of 24 inches when one of the following methods are used, and the method is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The boxes are intended to be installed so that the surface area of individual boxes does not exceed 16 sq in, and the aggregate surface area of the boxes do not exceed 100 sq in per 100 sq ft of wall surface:
#1 The wall cavity is filled with Classified cellulose loose-fill or mineral fiber insulation (BPHX) and the boxes are separated a distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity; or
#2 The boxes are separated by solid (no openings) fire-blocking consisting of 2-inch thick nominal lumber or equivalent (fire retardant treated [BPVV] in non-combustible construction); or
#3 Classified wall opening protective materials (CLIV or QCSN) such as putty pads, inserts or gaskets are used. These can be used where outlets are not installed back-to-back. Installation shall be in accordance with the published Classification, the manufacturer's instructions and applicable codes. In some Classifications, the surface area of the individual boxes may be increased from 16 sq in. when wall opening protective materials are used.
Listed nonmetallic outlet boxes and fittings Classified for fire resistance (CEYY or QBWY) and installed in accordance with their Listings may also be used. Some of these products allow as little as three (3) inches of separation for outlets on opposite sides of a wall. Nonmetallic outlet boxes evaluated for installation in fire resistive assemblies are provided with the appropriate Listing Mark for electrical products and other markings. Marking requirements are described in the general information section of the Guide Information for Outlet Boxes in the Electrical Construction Equipment Directory. They will also be specifically marked for the maximum hourly rating of the floor, wall or ceiling assembly for which they have been Classified. Installation shall be in accordance with the published Classification, the manufacturer's instructions, and applicable codes.
Roger
[ November 06, 2003, 02:45 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
Along with Earl and Pierre's information here is some more courtesy of UL
Receptacles in Walls Separating Dwelling Units
Q. Walls separating dwelling units in the same building are required to meet the integrity provisions of fire partitions. What options are available for receptacle outlets on opposites sides of the wall separating these units when 24-inch horizontal separation is not feasible?
A. Listed single- and double-gang metallic outlet and switch boxes (QCIT) with metallic or nonmetallic cover plates on opposite sides of the wall may be separated by less than a horizontal distance of 24 inches when one of the following methods are used, and the method is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The boxes are intended to be installed so that the surface area of individual boxes does not exceed 16 sq in, and the aggregate surface area of the boxes do not exceed 100 sq in per 100 sq ft of wall surface:
#1 The wall cavity is filled with Classified cellulose loose-fill or mineral fiber insulation (BPHX) and the boxes are separated a distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity; or
#2 The boxes are separated by solid (no openings) fire-blocking consisting of 2-inch thick nominal lumber or equivalent (fire retardant treated [BPVV] in non-combustible construction); or
#3 Classified wall opening protective materials (CLIV or QCSN) such as putty pads, inserts or gaskets are used. These can be used where outlets are not installed back-to-back. Installation shall be in accordance with the published Classification, the manufacturer's instructions and applicable codes. In some Classifications, the surface area of the individual boxes may be increased from 16 sq in. when wall opening protective materials are used.
Listed nonmetallic outlet boxes and fittings Classified for fire resistance (CEYY or QBWY) and installed in accordance with their Listings may also be used. Some of these products allow as little as three (3) inches of separation for outlets on opposite sides of a wall. Nonmetallic outlet boxes evaluated for installation in fire resistive assemblies are provided with the appropriate Listing Mark for electrical products and other markings. Marking requirements are described in the general information section of the Guide Information for Outlet Boxes in the Electrical Construction Equipment Directory. They will also be specifically marked for the maximum hourly rating of the floor, wall or ceiling assembly for which they have been Classified. Installation shall be in accordance with the published Classification, the manufacturer's instructions, and applicable codes.
Roger
[ November 06, 2003, 02:45 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
Re: boxes in fire rated walls
If you are talking dwelling unit separations between townhouse units, the rules are:
Metallic outlet boxes to be separated by a minimum of 24 inches on opposite sides of the wall. Boxes limited to 16 square inches. No more than 100 square inches for every 100 square feet of area. Both metallic and non-metallic boxes to be installed according to their listings. Putty packs help.
If you are talking dwelling unit separations between townhouse units, the rules are:
Metallic outlet boxes to be separated by a minimum of 24 inches on opposite sides of the wall. Boxes limited to 16 square inches. No more than 100 square inches for every 100 square feet of area. Both metallic and non-metallic boxes to be installed according to their listings. Putty packs help.
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: boxes in fire rated walls
We did a large condo complex recently,The problem we encountered was in the center units.Fire walls were metal studs ,1 in. air gap between walls.
These units had back to back identical kitchens
so getting away from 2 ft. between boxes was out of the question,and to comply the GC footed the bill to 5 side one units boxes in 5/8 drywall.
5 boxes per unit x 4 units per building x 12
buildings x $25.00 per =
We did a large condo complex recently,The problem we encountered was in the center units.Fire walls were metal studs ,1 in. air gap between walls.
These units had back to back identical kitchens
so getting away from 2 ft. between boxes was out of the question,and to comply the GC footed the bill to 5 side one units boxes in 5/8 drywall.
5 boxes per unit x 4 units per building x 12
buildings x $25.00 per =
dcl34769
Senior Member
- Location
- saint cloud,fl
Re: boxes in fire rated walls
Our company uses "putty pads" that are made from a red , rated material that is easily formed around fittings and such. And they are not very expensive.
Our company uses "putty pads" that are made from a red , rated material that is easily formed around fittings and such. And they are not very expensive.
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