Coax riser cable issues.

[rhovee]

On my last job the inspector was ok with me using non riser or plenum rated cable to penetrate through 1 floor in a commercial building through a sleeve. Now a different job a different inspector. He is saying you can't do it unless it is in a raceway and fire stopped every floor. This to me sounds like a sleeve, to him it would need to be in conduit the entire way. We are still operating in the 08 code. I need some help guys. What else can I use in my arguement?

 

[mgookin]

It's a matter of how the building is built. If there is fire rating between floors, you can't compromise that rating. You need to effectively firestop your penetrations. Only exception is if you are in a rated chase, then you protect your penetrations into and out of the chase.

 

[rhovee]

This issue at hand is the cable not the fire stop. Using non rated cable through 1 floor.

 

[GoldDigger]

I.e. would using cable without a vertical flame spread rating in open air compromise the effectiveness of a fire caulked penetration?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It does not appear that the rule would permit not riser cable to be installed through a floor using a sleeve and a fire stop.

820.113(E) Risers ? Cables in Metal Raceways. The following cables shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser having
firestops at each floor:
(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables
(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables
installed in:
a. Plenum communications raceways
b. Riser communications raceways
c. General-purpose communications raceways

Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for
floor penetrations.

 

[pjholguin]

I am on the inspector's side, you need to use the right cable(CMR). This is what the code states...2008 NEC requires it. Your last inspection is in
violation of the NEC, the previous inspector did you no favor. :jawdrop:

This issue at hand is the cable not the fire stop. Using non rated cable through 1 floor.

 

[rhovee]

A sleeve isn't considered a raceway ?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

A sleeve isn't considered a raceway ?

No, a sleeve is not a raceway. It has to be continuous between enclosures to become a raceway.

300.12 Mechanical Continuity ? Raceways and Cables
Metal or nonmetallic raceways, cable armors, and cable sheaths shall be continuous between cabinets, boxes, fittings, or other enclosures or outlets.

However the code use of the word fitting is troubling in this section. Installing a push on plastic bushing would turn a sleeve into a raceway.

 

[rhovee]

That is what I did. Arlington on both ends....

 

[don_resqcapt19]

That is what I did. Arlington on both ends....

As an inspector, I would not really accept that without a fight...I don't believe that is the intent of the rule in 820 requiring the use of a raceway if you are not using riser rated cable.

I think that the rule in 300 is a case of the CMP using field language and not code language to write a rule. It would not be the first time that has happened in the code with the term "fitting".