LancePacific
Member
- Location
- Pacific NW
Hi everyone,
This is my first post. I am about to say something and most of you are probably going to disagree with me. That is I say that NFPA 70 (NEC) does not require that fire alarm devices be mounted on electrical boxes.
Article 760.130(B)(1) states: "Cable splices or terminations shall be made in listed fittings, boxes, enclosures, fire alarm devices, or utilization equipment". Quoted from the 2011 NEC Handbook.So where in that sentence does it say that fire alarm devices must be mounted on a box? Thats right, it doesn't. It states that the splices or terminations must be made in a box or in a fire alarm device. To me that means that if I have a device i.e. a smoke with flying leads I would have to mount it on a box to make the termination. However, if I have a device that has a connection point contained inside the device (as most do) then I shouldn't need a box.
System Sensor seems to agree with me on this and they have stated on their website that they do not require that System Sensor devices be installed on boxes.
Still, most inspectors here in Oregon and Washington try to tell me that fire alarm devices must be installed on a box, however when I challenge them to produce the article in the NEC code - they can't do it. Some agree with me, where as others try to bullshoot their way through it. Some just produce the very code that I just mentioned above. I guess its all up to interpretation. To me it's plain english.
So what do you guys think? Don't get me wrong, my installs are always above and beyond code. I always use boxes when the structure calls for surface mounting or I'm running conduit, but sometimes it just isn't necessary.
This is my first post. I am about to say something and most of you are probably going to disagree with me. That is I say that NFPA 70 (NEC) does not require that fire alarm devices be mounted on electrical boxes.
Article 760.130(B)(1) states: "Cable splices or terminations shall be made in listed fittings, boxes, enclosures, fire alarm devices, or utilization equipment". Quoted from the 2011 NEC Handbook.So where in that sentence does it say that fire alarm devices must be mounted on a box? Thats right, it doesn't. It states that the splices or terminations must be made in a box or in a fire alarm device. To me that means that if I have a device i.e. a smoke with flying leads I would have to mount it on a box to make the termination. However, if I have a device that has a connection point contained inside the device (as most do) then I shouldn't need a box.
System Sensor seems to agree with me on this and they have stated on their website that they do not require that System Sensor devices be installed on boxes.
Still, most inspectors here in Oregon and Washington try to tell me that fire alarm devices must be installed on a box, however when I challenge them to produce the article in the NEC code - they can't do it. Some agree with me, where as others try to bullshoot their way through it. Some just produce the very code that I just mentioned above. I guess its all up to interpretation. To me it's plain english.
So what do you guys think? Don't get me wrong, my installs are always above and beyond code. I always use boxes when the structure calls for surface mounting or I'm running conduit, but sometimes it just isn't necessary.