Elect Room Fire rating

[prossetd]

Do electrical rooms require a one hour rating for walls?

 

[buddhakii]

Whatever the building code says. What type of construction is it? 300.21 is the only thing I can find in the NEC.

 

[prossetd]

Thank you for answer.

Building is a large shop with Machine tools, etc. There are several electrical rooms with 1000 amp boards, transformers, etc. The only thing i could find was 300.21 also. Apparently mechanical rooms need 1 hour walls. But the Arch didn't know of any requirement for elect rooms. I told him to make the walls one hour and that i need two doors for rooms with 1000 amp boards.

 

[cowboyjwc]

It's not required, but as I have said before if you totally enclose it, it's one hour by default, 5/8" drywall, 2x4 metal stud, 5/8" drywall.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

no walls even needed

 

[chevyx92]

Do electrical rooms require a one hour rating for walls?

Yes, minimum 1 hour. Depends on construction sometimes 2-3HR. Check your prints or with GC.

 

[Karl H]

I was asked this same question at a design meeting last night. No kidding.
I quoted 300.21. I knew it would be a 1 hour finish so I said I'd check the
IBC on the matter. I've been really busy today, so tommorrow I'll actually
check the IBC for the tech. answer. It was to enclose a 75KVA xfmr BTW.
No big deal,but, when asked, you have to state only the facts mam.

 

[benaround]

Is there a definition somewhere of " Electrical Room " ?

 

[cowboyjwc]

Is there a definition somewhere of " Electrical Room " ?

I don't believe so, I'm not looking at my book, but I think the reference is usually something like, "area's containing electrical equipment". I agree with Jim that no walls are needed, I was simply stating that if you put up walls, the rooms going to be rated, regardless of wether it's required, if you build it right.

 

[benaround]

I don't believe so, I'm not looking at my book, but I think the reference is usually something like, "area's containing electrical equipment". I agree with Jim that no walls are needed, I was simply stating that if you put up walls, the rooms going to be rated, regardless of wether it's required, if you build it right.

Sounds right to me.

 

[raider1]

Yes, minimum 1 hour. Depends on construction sometimes 2-3HR. Check your prints or with GC.

Where is this requirement?

Chris