Conduit required in a church?

[kwired]

Understand...
is not my intent to get into a "spitting" contest on fire rating.. I was simply replying to the inspector's reported comment on metal studs and stating that when I see metal studs I stop to evaluate the fire rating status of the job... perhaps that was what the inspector referenced.

Not trying to get into a spitting contest either, but he is looking at it wrong and letting something that has no bearing on the rules throw him off. If behind 15 minute rating it doesn't have to be a metallic wiring method period as long as it doesn't penetrate the finish into the assembly area.

 

[I-learns]

There’s probably brothels in Nevada large enough to be considered “assembly occupancies.”

 

[norcal]

There’s probably brothels in Nevada large enough to be considered “assembly occupancies.”

Someone who worked around those establishments said they were good pay unlike churches who were always angling for discounting or donating the work. But that is entirely another subject.

 

[farmantenna]

I was speaking with an inspector one time, well before 2017, probably was maybe when 1999 or even 2002 code was in effect here but I don't think much has changed since then either, on an upcoming new church project. This one had the obvious assembly area, which was more of a combination worship space as well as fellowship hall all in one, which also had a kitchen with serving window into that assembly area. Also had a hallway to separate areas with classsrooms, offices, etc. The discussion was about what wiring methods could be used where. He basically said those classrooms and offices were not over 100 occupants 518 didn't necessarily apply. The kitchen itself wasn't over 100 occupants, however it was open to the main assembly hall and therefore he would still count it as part of that space for art 518 purposes. If it would have had a 1 hour finish between it and the assembly space he would have exempted it from 518 requirements. Said kitchen maybe would have had 1 hour general construction between it and the main assembly space, but that serving line window kind of left a big hole in the finish rating.

Note 518.2 just gives examples of places that may likely qualify, does not mean they automatically are included nor does it mean something not mentioned is automatically exempted.

A small chapel say in a mall, hospital, Vegas hotel, etc. may not be over 100 occupancy and wouldn't automatically be subject to 518 rules just because it is a place of religious worship.

I wired a building with same layout (kitchen double doors to assembly ) and the inspector made me change the 3' Liquidtite to metallic flex to dishwasher booster. You know it's a rusty mess now. I placed a note inside the control box stating that R Bassett made me do it