Commercial Building in Romex?

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mtnelectrical

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Essex, New Jersey
I got the plans for total gutted out project of 2 story building wich will be convert into a small clinic (min 13 to max 100 occupancy) When I see the electrical part it says everything done in romex. I spoke to the city inspector and he said, ''well, whatever the architect designs that is what it is, I do not design" but I was about to tell him you are the one who is going to fail it.But any how, he told me to talk to the architect and I will. Now, when are we allowed to run romex in a commercial place?, in plain english, please. Thanks
 
NM in a commercial bldg is OK with some exceptions as to the type of construction and where it can be used in the bldg, see 334.10 and 334.12

But, with this being a "clinic" there are other requirements that will stop you from using NM, see 517.13(A) and (B) for "Patient Care Areas".

Roger
 
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You mentioned a clinic? If it fits the criteria of exam room in art 517, NM cable will not cut it! 2nd return path for grounding. 2 story is not an issue in most cases and NM cable not to be used above suspended ceilings (unprotected that is) in other than dwellings.
 
Just because most jurisdictions don't allow NMC in commercial, doesn't mean it's not allowed.

Another one of those myths like the j-box every 100'.
 
When we wired a beauty spa a few years ago we had to use MC because they were using a plenum ceiling for the air conditioning.

The year after that we did an office building across the street that did NOT employ a plenum ceiling. We were allowed to use NM throughout the second and third floor offices while using EMT for the store on the first floor.
 
jaylectricity said:
When we wired a beauty spa a few years ago we had to use MC because they were using a plenum ceiling for the air conditioning.

The year after that we did an office building across the street that did NOT employ a plenum ceiling. We were allowed to use NM throughout the second and third floor offices while using EMT for the store on the first floor.
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NM cable can't be used exposed in ANY dropped or suspended ceiling in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings, (See 334.12(2)), even if they aren't used as a plenum.

Chris
 
Mass. exception:

334.12(A)(2) Revise to read as follows:

(2) In dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one and two family and multifamily dwellings, unless run so as closely to follow the surface of framing members, running boards, or the equivalent, or unless connected to luminaires in accordance with 334.(B)(2).
 
mtnelectrical said:
I spoke to the city inspector and he said, ''well, whatever the architect designs that is what it is, I do not design" but I was about to tell him you are the one who is going to fail it.But any how, he told me to talk to the architect and I will.
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Architect is now electrical engineer/designer????
Inspector doesn't have the answer on whether or not to run romex????

Good luck!
 
you know what. He said if I told you that romex is ok, and there is a problem later, you would say "inspector told me". so tell your architect to design the project, he is getting paid for that" I was about to say duh!! you are going to inspect it.But I just wait for next week.Oh correction it is not going to be a clinic, just doctor offices, no beds for staying overnight or so but a triage and examinatiion room.
 
mtnelectrical said:
Oh correction it is not going to be a clinic, just doctor offices, no beds for staying overnight or so but a triage and examinatiion room.
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This can (and probably is) still going to be classified a "Patient Care Area", it is in the areas I work.

Health Care Facilities. Buildings or portions of buildings in which medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are provided. Health care facilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, limited care facilities, clinics, medical and dental offices, and ambulatory care centers, whether permanent or movable.
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Patient Care Area. Any portion of a health care facility wherein patients are intended to be examined or treated. Areas of a health care facility in which patient care is administered are classified as general care areas or critical care areas, either of which may be classified as a wet location. The governing body of the facility designates these areas in accordance with the type of patient care anticipated and with the following definitions of the area classification.
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Roger
 
mtnelectrical said:
so all receptacles there should be GFCI protected?
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Not necessarily, only in wet areas, or areas covered by 210.8, this has no bearing on the requirements of 517.13 nor does 517.13 have any bearing on the requirements of 210.8

Roger
 
what cable is apropriate ?

what cable is apropriate ?

I was taught MC in occupancies over 50 but because of the patient care areas I think hcf cable would be appropriate
 
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