Exposed conduits in stairwells

[bonding jumper]

are these allowed by code, i want to run two conduits up to supply stairwell lighting only, but the conduits would be exposed in corner of the stairwells. A mechanical guy in my office says that there isn't allowed anything in the stairwells and if I wanted to put conduits in there I would need to sofit them in a 2hr rated sofit.

 

[eprice]

Re: Exposed conduits in stairwells

I believe this is a building code question rather than an NEC question, so it depends on the building code that has been adopeted in your area.

This is covered in section 1005.3.4 of the 2000 IBC, section 1019.1.2 of the 2003 IBC, or section 1005.3.3.5 of the 97 UBC. If the conduit you mention only serves the stairway enclosure, I read all of the above references as allowing it. The IBC requires that it terminate in a steel box not exceeding 16 sq. in., while the UBC requires that it terminate in a listed box not exceeding 16 sq. in. Both codes prohibit penetrations from one stair enclosure into another stair enclosure.

 

[bonding jumper]

Re: Exposed conduits in stairwells

Thats what I thought, I believe he was using the fact that you can't run mechanical piping or plumbing in a stairwell for his arguement. The key point being that the plumbing and mechanical piping or ducts are not being used in that stairwell, so therefore they cannot be in the stairwell, but the electrical condiuts are for use in that stairwell so they can be in that stairwell. Thanks for your reply.