Dedicated Space

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dnunez

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Scottsdale, AZ
We are installing 200A 1PH 240V sub panels in a 9 story condo Hi-rise(Arizona). Each unit has a sub-panel. The panels are flush mounted in a 6" metal stud wall that goes from floor to concrete structure above. (Approx 11')
There will be a Hardlid framed ceiling at 9' AFF but does not pass thru the wall. My inspector, per NEC 110-26(F)(1), will not allow any ducting, Sprinkler, or plumbing pipe to pass above these subpanels in the above ceiling space. After thoroughly reading this code I cannot find any way around either moving the panels or clearing the space above the panels in the framed walls to meet this code. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly apprieciated.
 
What is a hardlid ceiling and what do you mean it won't pass through the wall?


Is there a structural ceiling above the panel with sheetrock?
 
He's siting a code section that says, "....extending from the floor to a height of 6' above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower..."

If it's framed, not t-bar, it is a structural ceiling, and anything above that is not in the dedicated space.
 
A hard lid ceiling is a framed ceiling with sheetrock. On this project the sheetrock will go up to just above the ceiling height and then they will frame the lid to the wall.
 
Sounds like a tray ceiling to me. As cowboy has said. If the plumbing, etc is above the structural ceiling there is no violation.
 
I don?t know the language of walls and ceilings and such. So I can?t quite picture your situation. Let me ask this: If we were to cut a hole in the sheetrock above the electrical panel, and use a mirror (or fancy camera) to look upwards at the area that is inside the wall space and above the panel, would we see pipes, or would we see structural ceiling material? If we see pipes, then that is a violation.
 
charlie b said:
I don?t know the language of walls and ceilings and such. So I can?t quite picture your situation. Let me ask this: If we were to cut a hole in the sheetrock above the electrical panel, and use a mirror (or fancy camera) to look upwards at the area that is inside the wall space and above the panel, would we see pipes, or would we see structural ceiling material? If we see pipes, then that is a violation.
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Trusses are structural ceilings-- if they are sheetrocked on the bottom can you not have your plumbing running in the space above the panel?
 
I am also having trouble with the suspended ceiling 110-26 (F)(1)(d). The building is a poured in place concrete structure. How would a framing and drywall system add strength to the structure?
 
dnunez said:
I am also having trouble with the suspended ceiling 110-26 (F)(1)(d). The building is a poured in place concrete structure. How would a framing and drywall system add strength to the structure?
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I think that is what Charlie was getting at. The wood framing is not a structural member, IMO. Thus you have a violation.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
The wood framing is not a structural member, IMO. Thus you have a violation.
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Neither is sheetrock a structural member. It appears to me that you have a violation, and that one thing or the other (panels or pipes) has to be moved. Which one? That is a matter of cost and convenience, but I think the owner needs to learn about this problem pronto.
 
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