Conduit Stub-up heights.

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rdbutler

rdbutler

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I've searched the previous posts and can't find this question.

Is there a code that says low-voltage wiring needs to be in conduit (EMT) below a particular height (in this case 10')?

We have a GC that is requiring this. I don't see it in the specs for the job either. I agree that it would afford better protection for the wire, but I don't see where it's required by code.

Any help on this will be greatly appreciated.
 
rdbutler said:
I've searched the previous posts and can't find this question.

Is there a code that says low-voltage wiring needs to be in conduit (EMT) below a particular height (in this case 10')?

We have a GC that is requiring this. I don't see it in the specs for the job either. I agree that it would afford better protection for the wire, but I don't see where it's required by code.

Any help on this will be greatly appreciated.
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You may be dealing with old ATT installation standards where the phone companies were acting pretty much like the utility companies and were exempt from the NEC and were following their own standards. Many people in the phone and telcom business still follow those standards and believe that they are exempt from the NEC. Arrogant SOB's(Senile Old Bunch) they are......
 
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weressl said:
You may be dealing with old ATT installation standards where the phone companies were acting pretty much like the utility companies and were excempt from the NEC and were following their own standards. Many people in the phone and telcom business still follow those standards and believe that they are exempt from the NEC. Arrogant SOB's(Senile Old Bunch) theyr are......
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Haha!

Thanks for your comments. ;) We are the fire alarm designers and installers. We'd like to think we're exempt sometimes, but alas we have to have our work permitted and inspected like most everyone else.
 
NFPA 72 4.4.1.4.2.1 the dedicated branch circuit(s) and connections shall be mechanically protected.

I guess the way I read it if you are exposed to anything it has to be protected mechanically that would require conduit but I think they are only referring to the dedicated branch circuit suppling the units..I see nothing else that requires you to use conduit..
 
Well, yes, I'm referring to the Power Limited Low Voltage field wiring to devices particularly strobes/horns and manual pull stations.
 
rdbutler said:
Well, yes, I'm referring to the Power Limited Low Voltage field wiring to devices particularly strobes/horns and manual pull stations.
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Depending on 'where' you are there may be a local code for such...

If you were in say San Fran....
760.25. Revise the first paragraph of this section as follows:
760.25. NPLFA Circuit Wiring Methods. Installations of nonpower-limited fire alarm circuits shall be in accordance with Section 110.3(B), 300.11(A), 300.15(B), 300.17, and other appropriate articles of Chapter 3. Conductors shall be installed in metallic raceways or concrete-encased nonmetallic raceways.
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e57 said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by rdbutler
Well, yes, I'm referring to the Power Limited Low Voltage field wiring to devices particularly strobes/horns and manual pull stations.
Click to expand...

Depending on 'where' you are there may be a local code for such...

If you were in say San Fran....
Quote:
760.25. Revise the first paragraph of this section as follows:
760.25. NPLFA Circuit Wiring Methods. Installations of nonpower-limited fire alarm circuits shall be in accordance with Section 110.3(B), 300.11(A), 300.15(B), 300.17, and other appropriate articles of Chapter 3. Conductors shall be installed in metallic raceways or concrete-encased nonmetallic raceways.
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Mark, "Power Limited" and "Non–Power-Limited" Fire Alarm Circuits are not the same thing

Roger
 
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depends on the local jurisdiction. for example in Las Vegas, the clark county building code requires all concelaed wiring be in conduit. Cant even run a plenum cat5 above a drop ceiling....
 
wireguru,
the clark county building code requires all concelaed wiring be in conduit. Cant even run a plenum cat5 above a drop ceiling....
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I know that you are talking about a local rule, but I just want to make the point that under the NEC, the area above a drop ceiling is not a concealed area. That is an "exposed" area under the NEC rules.
Exposed (as applied to wiring methods). On or attached to the surface or behind panels designed to allow access.
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Don
 
Interesting about San Francisco and Las Vegas. I know that local AHJ can have requirements that are MORE stringent. I had no idea that Las Vegas was that stringent.

Thanks again to all who have commented to my post. :)
 
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