code location on romex not used in commercial location

[Eddie Joe]

We are trying to find a code location as to where we can't use romex in commercial locations. the building is one story and 1k sq ft. It has existing romex in the ceiling.

 

[peter d]

Article 334. There is no prohibition against using romex in a commercial building. The restrictions are based on building construction type.

 

[stickboy1375]

Check out 334.10 Uses permitted, also check out 334.12 (A)(1)

 

[cowboyjwc]

Usually it is a local ordinance. Some cities around here prohibit it's use all together.

 

[Volta]

NM

NM

Can't be used exposed above commercial dropped ceilings (334.12A2), commercial garages w/ hazardous locations (334.12A4), in buildings of type I or II construction (334.10(3)), others listed in 334.12.
Not otherwise generally prohibited.

 

[joebell]

I was just discussing this today at work. A coworker asked when the rule was put into the code prohibiting NM from being installed above drop ceilings. I did not know the answer. Does anyone know the history and or the substantiation for this change. My handbook says it was a 2005 change.

Joe

 

[ryan_618]

It was a change in the 2002 code. It was basically a trade off between the pipe gods and the romex gods for the three story limitation that was removed.

 

[paul]

It was a change in the 2002 code. It was basically a trade off between the pipe gods and the romex gods for the three story limitation that was removed.

And there is no safety reason that it could not be installed above a dropped ceiling.

 

[e57]

Not allowed where I am.... It might be where you are. But it would be kind of embarassing to find out during an inspection....

I once saw a restuant TI/build out progress in NM as I walked by a window everyday for lunch. It was being done by an out of town EC, I left a very friendly note on his windshield - and the job progressed.... A few days later there was a big pile of a few thousnad feet of NM on the floor and a new EC. I think it is safe to assume the original EC lost his shirt.

 

[realolman]

Can't be used exposed above commercial dropped ceilings (334.12A2), commercial garages w/ hazardous locations (334.12A4), in buildings of type I or II construction (334.10(3)), others listed in 334.12.
Not otherwise generally prohibited.

Where are these building types described?

thanks

 

[roger]

Where are these building types described?

thanks

See Annex E.

Roger

 

[ryan_618]

Where are these building types described?

thanks

There better described in the building code. For example, a typical stadium would be concrete and steel, but it can be type V construction. I'm not saying you would (or even physically could) build it with wood, but it would be allowed as type V.

The best thing you can do is look at your approved (city stamped) set of plans and look at the code details. There should be things such as sqaure feet, occupancy classification(s) and type of construction listed.

 

[Volta]

Where are these building types described?

thanks

Annex E (in the NEC, but not part of it directly. . .)

 

[roger]

Annex E

Is there an echo in here? :wink:

Roger

 

[abe72487]

Code location on romex

Code location on romex

Check AHJ Some areas require conduit not matter what building type if it is a commercial building.