CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

[hurk27]

I got a red tag on a house for running plenium rated cable down between the wall studs that are being used for a cold air return. I contacted the AHJ and he told me that coldair returns are not plenum's and no cable can be ran verticaly in them. This inspector comes to every IAEI meeting so I want to have it right before I bring it up. He even asked me to do this as he wasn't sure that he has it right.
Thanks Wayne

[ June 23, 2004, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]

 

[roger]

Re: CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

Wayne, read 300.22(C), take note of the exception before 300.22(C)(1)

Roger

 

[hbiss]

Re: CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

Then read 800.53(A). My interpretation of 300.22(C)(1) is that if the cable is run perpendicular to the studs through the air handling space it need not be plenum rated nor in raceway. Indeed even type NM is permitted.

However, if the run is within the space it is permitted if you use plenum rated cable.

So, in my opinion you are correct.

-Hal

 

[hurk27]

Re: CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

The question is whether or not a cold air return is a plenum or other spaces used for environmental air? ether of which would permit the use of CMP rated cable. 800.51(A) as well as 800.53(A) clearly allows it! I just dont get it why he thinks that this space is some other kind of space that would prohibit it?

Just one more question does the fact that 300.22(B) does not mention CMP rated cable in it's text would this be enought for him to not allow it to be installed? I know in somethings the first four chapters take pressadents over the other chapters. but why would they allow it to be installed in artical 800 but not in 300? as 300.22(B) states:

Only wiring methods consisting of Type MI cable, Type MC cable employing a smooth or corrugated impervious metal sheath without an overall nonmetallic covering, electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid metal conduit without an overall nonmetallic

This would seem to not allow CMP rated cable?
Yet 800.51(A) and 800.53(A) does?

 

[hurk27]

Re: CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

By the way thank's as always for your help.

 

[hbiss]

Re: CMP rated CAT5 cable ran in cold air return

... does the fact that 300.22(B) does not mention CMP rated cable in it's text would this be enought for him to not allow it to be installed? ... but why would they allow it to be installed in artical 800 but not in 300?

Because 300 does not cover LV or communications wiring. You look in article 800 for communications cable. You need to (only) refer to 300 for the definition of a plenum. 800 (and above) is separate from the rest of the Code except where specifically referenced.

-Hal