Commercial Building Romex

[Richterfan]

I know the code answer to this but figure I would ask anyway.
I have a commercial building downstairs and tenants upstairs.
The commercial space has a drop ceiling and all the existing wiring is Romex.
I know the code for anything above the drop ceiling but I was told all the old stuff is grandfathered in.
At this point what is the big deal to run another wire since all the other remains?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[augie47]

I glanced thru some older Codes and, unless I misread I don't see the "above suspended ceiling" restriction in the '99 Code. Based on some older buildings I've inspected I suspect at one time it was legal.

 

[jumper]

I glanced thru some older Codes and, unless I misread I don't see the "above suspended ceiling" restriction in the '99 Code. Based on some older buildings I've inspected I suspect at one time it was legal.

IIRC, Changed in 2002 or 2005. The trade off was the height limit of buildings where it is legal to install NM was removed.

 

[lordofthisworld]

I know the code answer to this but figure I would ask anyway.
I have a commercial building downstairs and tenants upstairs.
The commercial space has a drop ceiling and all the existing wiring is Romex.
I know the code for anything above the drop ceiling but I was told all the old stuff is grandfathered in.
At this point what is the big deal to run another wire since all the other remains?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is the ceilings return air ducts or they are using the above ceiling as plenum, meaning is there a grate and you can see right into the above ceiling?